It is a great honour to have the opportunity to lead the next stage of ICP. I have been fortunate enough to sit alongside Barry and the rest of the Board of Trustees for a number of years, being able to learn and contribute to the success of our programmes. I thank Barry for all his hard work since the inception of ICP and look forward to continuing our efforts to provide our participants with the best possible experience, tools and opportunities.

There is never the perfect time to stand down. It seemed to me that, with the end of Covid in sight, this was a good moment. Further, ICP needs a younger person to drive it through its next phase of development. I wish Felipe the very best of good fortune and fulfilment in taking on this responsibility.

We would also like to thank Sir Trevor McDonald, OBE and Marion Bartoli for their continued support as patrons.

I am delighted to be a Patron of IC Philanthropy and I continue to be impressed by the progress and reach which the Foundation has achieved since its activities began in 2009 and now as a fully fledged Charity. I am looking forward to helping ICP further to grow and continue its work to make a difference to the lives of many young disadvantaged people.

There is so much that can be done for impoverished children through playing sport. From my lifelong background in tennis, I am sure that teaching children tennis with the advantages of learning through the game about the joys and disappointments of winning and losing, of sticking to rules and acquiring self-discipline, provide guidance for life that can help everyone. I have been impressed at the way in which those running programmes supported by ICP have generously donated their time and skills to make a difference in the lives of so many children.

Tennis has given me so many opportunities, friends and life skills that I am delighted to have been elected a trustee for the International Club Philanthropy Foundation to further this charity's valuable work in giving disadvantaged young people and communities around the globe opportunities "to learn to play and play to learn" through tennis programmes. Very much enjoying working with my co-trustees and our new Chairman, Felipe Bunster, to continue the great work initiated by Barry Weatherill.

I first came across ICPF through a fundraising event in 2013 – watching a powerful film narrated by our Patron Sir Trevor McDonald brought home the importance of the programmes that the Charity supports. Today, young children in nearly 20 countries are growing in self-confidence, learning new interpersonal skills, broadening their horizons and are being introduced to a healthier way of life.

Tennis has given me so much in my own life, both here in the UK and while I spent ten years working in Asia; so I hope through my involvement as an Independent Trustee I can help others in more challenging circumstances to benefit in similar ways.