I have worked with Robyn since 2004. She was diagnosed with PTSD in 2016. Her symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety, physical sensations such as pain, sweating and trembling, intense emotions and feeling unsafe. In her younger days, Robyn used to play tennis frequently.  Following her diagnosis, she has found that tennis has relieved much of her symptoms and has brought a significant amount of happiness back into her life. In an effort to raise Mental Health awareness, together with the stigma that is attached to it, Robyn will be undertaking a unique charity challenge consisting of playing tennis for 30 consecutive days at 46 venues across the UK. Her challenge will consist of hitting tennis balls for 8 hours a day with a target of reaching a minimum 200,000 shots. 

I began playing tennis at the age of 12 and have taken on the challenge of coaching Robyn. I am not a qualified tennis coach but simply a good friend who is passionate about tennis. Having seen the positive effect tennis is having on Robyn's health, I strongly believe in the benefit of people playing ANY sport  to help alleviate symptoms association with mental health. 

I am sure we all know someone who has suffered with, or who is suffering from, mental health issues. Anyone with a mental health condition should never be defined by WHAT they are, they should only ever be defined as WHO they are. 

Robyn's belief is: "I am who I am and I try every day to find pride in that."

In support of Robyn's challenge, I am proud to be participating in a 24 hour tennis marathon at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton on Friday, 22 February. This event is aimed at kick starting the fund raising for the main event which is throughout the month of June. Please help me to help Robyn and donate to this excellent cause. 

For those of you who don't know Robyn, she is more commonly known as 'Bobby' after the famous footballer!