Archie Watson is an 18-year-old aspiring professional Real Tennis player. I have known Archie his entire life. My family and his are close family friends and, for almost 15 years, his parents have been work colleagues of mine at Archie’s school where we are teachers. In recent years, I have taught Archie and been his Real Tennis doubles partner. It has been a privilege to watch Archie develop into an outstanding young man and a gifted Real Tennis player.

Over the past few years, Archie has dedicated himself to training and improving as a player. He has won the U18 National Schools Championship, as well as the U17 and U19 French Open titles. His goal is to compete at the highest level of Real Tennis and represent the sport with pride.

In January, Archie’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Having played in the U21 British Open in mid-December, the following day he had a biopsy on a mole. In January, days after Archie's 18th birthday, he received the results that it was cancerous.

Since then, Archie has had an operation to remove the mole, undergone multiple MRI/CT scans, heart scans, monthly blood tests, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) which confirmed the cancer had spread, reaching Stage 3, and underwent wide excision surgery. He is currently receiving targeted therapy as part of his treatment plan and is awaiting another operation to remove potentially dangerous moles.

Archie’s friends and family are grateful for the care he is receiving, the journey has been physically, emotionally and financially challenging for Archie and his family , particularly whilst he has been trying to complete his A-Level studies. The next stage of his treatment and recovery will continue to bring significant costs that place a considerable burden on the Watsons.

As Archie continues treatment, attends medical appointments and focuses on regaining his health, I am reaching out for support. The funds raised through this campaign will help with Archie’s ongoing treatment, specialist care, travel to appointments, recovery and other expenses that arise as he continues this fight. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and help ease some of the financial pressure during this difficult time.

Archie has developed resilience, discipline and determination through sport. These qualities have helped him achieve success on the Real Tennis court and are now helping him face the biggest challenge of his life. Archie has remained positive and committed to doing everything he can to overcome this diagnosis and return to pursuing his dream of becoming a professional player.

If you are able to support this campaign, Archie, his friends and family would be incredibly grateful. If you cannot donate, sharing this page with your friends, family and networks would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read Archie’s story and for any support you can offer. Your generosity will help Archie focus on what matters most: his treatment and his recovery.

With sincere thanks,

Mikey Hennessy