Charity auction begins today in memory of tennis star and Ipswich resident Elena Baltacha
The former British number one adopted the town as home and worked to introduce tennis to children from disadvantaged communities
An online auction has been launched today in honour of Elena Baltacha, the former British number one tennis player who succumbed to cancer in 2014. Just 30 years old when she died, she had strong roots to Ipswich, through her father who played for Town in the late 1980s. She passed away here, but not before she had worked to bring tennis to disadvantaged communities in Ipswich and Suffolk.
The 'Love All' auction was founded by Gina Long OBE, who runs the charity GeeWizz alongside the Elena Baltecha foundation, the Murray Play foundation and the Women's Tennis Asssociation (WTA) Charities' Aceing Cancer campaign, Sarcoma UK and Suffolk-based charity Zest.
The lots that have been donated include rackets used by teen tennis sensation Emma Raducanu in her US Open win and a match kit and racket from Andy Murray. A signed limited-edition copy of Ed Sheeran's new single Bad Habits as well as handwritten lyrics to Sir Cliff Richards' 1958 single Move it, a signed copy of his autobiography The Dreamer and a signed tour jacket that he wore during The Great 80 Tour 2021, are also available.
Also available is an experience to travel to watch the WTA final in China, staying in the players' hotel and special match day tickets. Wimbledon and Roland Garros hospitality experiences are also up for grabs.
Gina Long OBE says, "All together, we have over 130 lots, which includes amazing things going into our global online auction from tennis, memorabilia, collectibles, artworks and so many money-can't-buy experiences that have been personally donated by international tennis stars, music and sporting legends."
All the proceeds from the auction will go towards charities, including the Elena Baltacha and Murray Play foundations that will set up tennis programs for those who may not traditionally be able to access the sport. The charity GeeWizz will also do the same, along with supporting cancer research, with the WTA charity and Sarcoma UK.
"You name it, we have a selection of prizes from various sectors. You can look at all the items in the auction at loveallauction.com and consider bidding", she adds.