Park Lane Stables chosen for Wimbledon coin toss in front of 1.2 billion global TV audience

By Rory Poulter

13th Jul 2023 | Local News

Philippa George and Natalie O’Rourke MBE visiting The All England Lawn Tennis Club
Philippa George and Natalie O’Rourke MBE visiting The All England Lawn Tennis Club

Inspirational Philippa George of Park Lane Stables has been chosen to make the coin toss at the Ladies Singles Final at Wimbledon on Saturday.

It is an enormous honour for the stables, who are currently operating out of a base at Manor Farm, Petersham, before returning to their home in Teddington.

Philippa and Natalie O'Rourke, who led the stables' well publicised battle for survival last year, have already enjoyed a visit to the world renowned All England Championships.

Philippa, aged 27, will be representing Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) after the charity was nominated by Jenifer Hewitt, wife of All England Lawn Tennis Club Chairman, Ian Hewitt.

Philippa George, Natalie O'Rourke MBE, Jenny Harris (volunteer at Park Lane Stables) with Jenifer Hewitt at The All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Philippa, who will perform the coin toss in front of an estimated worldwide audience of 1.2 billion, said: "I just can't believe it still and I can't wait for it. It's going to be amazing."

Park Lane Stables RDA offers horse riding, carriage driving and specialist therapy to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties.

Philippa has been part of Park Lane Stables RDA for 15 years and plays an important role in inviting and welcoming new people and organising social events.

Natalie describes the stables as 'a place of kindness, where we want people to leave happier than when they arrive'.

She said: "Philippa is amazing. She is a great ambassador because a parent of a child with additional needs looks at Philippa and just sees that the future's so bright. We're so lucky to have her as part of our family."

Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: "In recognition of Ian Hewitt's role in establishing the Wimbledon Foundation ten years ago, we invited Ian and Jenifer to nominate two charities important to them for this year's coin toss. 

"We're delighted that through Jenifer nominating Riding for the Disabled Association we are able to give Philippa and Park Lane Stables RDA the recognition they deserve through this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to step out onto Centre Court and perform the coin toss at the Ladies' Singles Final."

Philippa and her family will enjoy a tour of the Clubhouse and lunch in the Competitors' Restaurant before the match. She will be assisted in her on-court duties by Gerry Armstrong, Championships Referee.

     

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