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Welcome to Lily’s Fundraising Page for the Australian Open 2026
We are fundraising to help Lily return to Melbourne in January 2026 to compete once again in the prestigious Australian Open Players With Intellectual Impairment Championships.
This opportunity is truly life-changing, but it is only possible with the support of Lily’s community. Lily is raised and supported by her mum, Tallulah, who is a single parent and Lily’s full-time carer. Because of this, covering the cost of a long-haul international competition is simply not possible without support from Lily's community.
Thank you in advance for any support you can give, whether that is donating, sharing this page, or cheering Lily on from afar. Your generosity means everything.
About Lily
Lily’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. Born in August 2000, she faced life-threatening complications within days of her birth. She was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital while fighting meningitis and septicemia, and doctors worked around the clock to keep her alive. Her condition was so critical that she was placed on life support and Tallulah was told to prepare for the worst.
But Lily fought.
She survived and was later diagnosed with Galactosaemia, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from processing galactose, a sugar found in milk. Without strict treatment the condition can cause severe brain damage, organ failure, or death.
Although Lily pulled through, the challenges continued. She lives with cognitive impairments including learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, and an IQ of 42, as well as physical challenges such as poor coordination and a tremor. Yet nothing has ever stopped her.
Today, Lily is a bright, determined young woman who continues to defy expectations. Alongside her tennis, she proudly volunteers weekly at the Foundling Museum, a role she loves and is deeply committed to.
Tennis: Lily’s Lifeline
As Lily grew up, it became harder to connect socially with peers. Tennis changed that completely.
She first picked up a racket at age 5 and by age 12 had found her passion for the sport. Tennis gives Lily structure, purpose, confidence, and community. It has transformed her mental and physical wellbeing and opened up opportunities she once never imagined.
Through years of training and commitment, Lily has become one of Britain’s most inspiring athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Lily’s Achievements
Lily has built an exceptional record, including:
- Silver in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles at the Special Olympic Summer Games in Sheffield in 2017
- Double Gold in Singles and Mixed Doubles at the Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019
- Bronze in Singles and Gold in Mixed Doubles at the Virtus Global Games in Vichy and the Special Olympics in Berlin in 2023
- Silver in Ladies Doubles at the Australian Open Players With Intellectual Impairment Championships in 2024 during her debut appearance
- Two Bronze medals at the Virtus Sport World Games in Annecy in 2024
- Two Bronze medals at Virtus World Tennis Championship in Astana 2025
- First in Learning Disability National Championships 2025
- The only female athlete in the LTA Development Squad
- Ambassador roles with Bright Ideas for Tennis, the Dan Maskell Trust, Special Olympics GB, and Virtus Sport
Her progress reflects a rare combination of talent, discipline, and determination.
Beyond her competitive success, Lily is a cornerstone of the Middlesex Tennis community - she volunteers at coach forums, participates in events, and always shows up with her trademark smile and positive energy. Whether mentoring young players or representing Middlesex at major events, Lily's commitment to giving back is unwavering. She embodies the values of inclusivity, excellence, and community spirit, and continues to inspire everyone around her.
[pictured: Lily with Gabriela Dabrowski, professional tennis athlete]
Australian Open 2026
This January, Lily has once again been selected as one of only eight women worldwide who are invited to compete at the Australian Open’s PWII Championships.
This is an enormous honour. Competing at one of the most iconic tennis tournaments in the world is an achievement that very few athletes, with or without impairments, ever experience. Lily is proud, focused, and excited to return and build on last year’s success.
This is her chance to challenge herself against the best and to prove once again what is possible when people believe in her.
Why We Need Your Support
Travelling to Melbourne and competing at this level involves significant expense. The funds raised will go directly toward:
- Flights for Lily and her essential support team, which cost at least £1700 per person
- Accommodation in Melbourne during the tournament period, which is extremely expensive
- Coaching, equipment, and training in Australia
- All essential preparation that Lily needs to perform at her best
Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a real and immediate difference.
How You Can Help
- Make a donation if you can
- Share this page with friends, family, colleagues, and on social media
- Send Lily a message of support to take with her to Melbourne
Your support helps Lily not only compete but grow, learn, and thrive.
Thank You
Lily’s journey has only been possible thanks to the love, kindness, and generosity of her community. Tallulah, as a single parent and full-time carer, is deeply grateful for every person who believes in Lily and supports her dreams. Her coaches, mentors, and teammates are equally thankful.
From our hearts to yours, thank you for standing with Lily as she enters this exciting new chapter.
With love,
Team Lily x
Organizer
