Tennis pro who beat cancer inspires youngsters

Ryan Peniston in action at Thorpe Bay Tennis Club in Southend

A professional tennis player who beat cancer as a child returned to his Essex hometown to help youngsters facing similarly daunting battles.

Ryan Peniston was diagnosed with a type of soft tissue cancer - rhabdomyosarcoma - aged one and had 18 months of treatment at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, including chemotherapy and surgery.

He went into remission but suffered various late side-effects, which had an impact on his tennis, but it did not prevent him from reaching a world ranking of 123 two years ago.

The 28-year-old took part in a five-hour tennis-a-thon at Thorpe Bay Tennis Club in Southend on Sunday, as a show of thanks and support for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity.

Ryan Peniston (left) teamed up with his father Paul for Young Lives vs Cancer

Mr Peniston said: "I had cancer as a one-year-old and it affected me and my family massively.

"There were charities like Young Lives vs Cancer that helped us, so we want to give back as much as we can.

"Tennis has made a huge impact on my life, I'm very lucky and grateful to have it as my profession. Hopefully I can inspire some kids to get on the court and start playing, as it's a great sport."

The current British men's number 13 was joined at the fundraising event by his father, Paul, who coaches at the club.

An auction of memorabilia, including racquets and towels from Wimbledon, and a raffle ran alongside keen tennis players being able to practise with the visiting pro.

Essex fundraising engagement manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, Kim Mangelshot, said: "He really is a beacon of hope for families when their child is going through cancer treatment."

The Young Lives vs Cancer event was held at Thorpe Bay Tennis Club in Southend on Sunday