An Ace Day For A Young Andy Murray Fan…

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 12th June 2013

An Ace Day For A Young Andy Murray Fan… |

For 12 year old Elijah Ortiz-Herrera tennis isn’t just a hobby; it’s helped him to take his mind off hospital appointments and chemotherapy since being diagnosed with cancer. So, when Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions, told him his wish to meet his tennis idol Andy Murray was being granted, he was thrilled.

Elijah, who met Andy today at Queen’s Club during the Aegon Championships, was not only given the opportunity to watch Andy train, he also got to play with the No. 2 seed. He was then introduced to Andy’s close friend, Ross Hutchins, who himself is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, before they took their seats to watch the centre court action.

Elijah, who is from London, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in February 2010 following a lung scan and bone marrow test. He endured a course of intensive chemotherapy followed by maintenance chemotherapy, which he finished last month. Elijah plays tennis frequently with a local club but had to stop for a while during treatment which his mum, Catherine, described as very frustrating for him, as he dreams of one day becoming a professional tennis player.

She said: “When we found out that Elijah had ALL I didn’t want to believe it – when you hear the word ‘cancer’ you become very frightened. Although the treatment stopped him playing as much, tennis has really helped to take his mind off everything that he’s had to go through.”

Elijah’s Dad, Tito Ortiz-Ochoa, who accompanied Elijah today, said: “I’m speechless for all the efforts that have been put into making my son’s wish a reality. Elijah was amazed, nervous and thrilled – so many emotions flared up in such a short time that Elijah was in mute mode for a second! But when Andy approached him with such kindness it broke the ice and it all went marvelously.”

After meeting Andy, Elijah said: “I’m really, really, really happy; it’s been amazing!”

Andy Murray said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Elijah who is a keen and talented young tennis player. Despite going through a tough few years it’s clear he’s remained very dedicated. We had a knock-up on the practice court and he certainly put me through my paces!”

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting life-threatening conditions. Make-A-Wish will grant more than 1,100 wishes in 2013, and needs to raise £7 million to achieve this. The charity receives no government funding or lottery grants – so every donation really does count.

Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych are already scheduled to be in action on finals day. Murray will team up with Tim Henman against Berdych and Ivan Lendl in Rally Against Cancer – an all-star doubles exhibition to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The charity supports The Royal Marsden, the world-leading cancer centre treating British tennis player Ross Hutchins.

The Aegon Championships is one of four ATP & WTA grass court tournaments staged and run by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in the run up to The Championships, Wimbledon.