“Proud to show my disability”: Lucy on her Wimbledon Final coin toss

When Whizz Kidz’s Senior Mobility Therapist Sarah Wallace calls you up and asks if you’d like to do "a special job at Wimbledon", there is only one answer: “Yes, yes, absolutely yes!” That’s what Lucy Foyster said after a squeal of understandable excitement. 

The job was performing the coin toss ceremony at the Ladies’ Wheelchair Singles Final on Saturday, 13 July, representing Whizz Kidz. Lucy was the perfect person for the role. She’s 11, has been playing wheelchair tennis competitively for just over a year, and is currently number 30 in the ITF rankings.

Lucy became a wheelchair user at the age of seven after being diagnosed with bone cancer. Always sporty before her illness, she discovered wheelchair tennis after watching former Whizz Kid and 28-time major champion Alfie Hewett play at Wimbledon. She was inspired to pick up a racquet after meeting him and discovering he became a wheelchair user at a similar age.

Lucy said: “My dream for the future is to actually play at Wimbledon one day. It’s very nice for me, not hiding my disability, almost like showing everybody that I am proud to show my disability. When I found out I had been chosen I squealed so loudly my mum said I hurt her ears.”

Watch Lucy’s Story

This video will be shown before her coin toss on Saturday on No 1 Court at Wimbledon, the first time a wheelchair tennis final has been played on this court.

Heads she wins

We caught up with Lucy before the big day to find out more about the coin toss ceremony, her love of tennis, and why she's representing Whizz Kidz.

How did it feel to get picked to do the coin toss? 

I was in the car with Mum when Sarah [Wallace, Whizz Kidz's Senior Mobility Therapist] called asking if I'd like to do a special job at Wimbledon. The more she told me, the more I squealed and said yes, yes, absolutely yes!

What were the best things about visiting Wimbledon?

It was a sunny day. We had a muffin at the cafe and went to court 1, where they interviewed me first. I loved meeting the groundskeeper, who told me how they look after the grass. A security guard told me to get off the grass, but he said it's okay; she is with me! 

Are you practicing your coin toss?

On the day we practiced the coin toss, it was a special one made for the Centenary, bigger than I expected. I caught it and put it on the back of my hand, but I think on the day they let it drop on the floor.

How did you get into tennis?

I used to play tennis once a week. My dad used to take me before I had bone cancer. The coach always said I was good at tennis. After my treatment for bone cancer, I met Alfie Hewett. My uncle managed to put us in touch, and he came to meet me in Norwich on the tennis court. Then, I didn't want to use a chair, but I couldn't run to hit the ball. We played a bit with two bounces.

What do you most love about playing tennis?

When I play tennis, my other worries don't matter. It's given me the chance to travel already, and I'm only 11. I can see a future and career.

Who are your heroes?

I love Ons Jabeur. She is so tough. When we were at Wimbledon, I saw Katie Boulter, and she smiled at me. She was really pretty and was wearing a new tennis dress. I used to cover my scar, but I've started to wear dresses and skirts for tennis; I think it makes me look more professional. 

What would you tell people about Whizz Kidz?

They are a great charity that helps all sorts of kids stay mobile. The all-terrain chairs are great because we just want to get outdoors or to the beach like any other kid, and normal wheelchairs don't cope and are hard to push.

What do you want to do when you’re older?

I want to be a professional tennis player and study sports psychology, as that is really essential for all sports players. 

What are you most looking forward to about doing the coin toss at Wimbledon?

I would love to be courtside, up close to the players. It's going to be a bit strange seeing myself on the big screen when the film is shown. I think my mum and dad will cry!

What difference has your wheelchair from Whizz Kidz made to you? 

My chair helps me get about and is comfortable. The track wheel is useful on bumpy ground, and the handle helps Mum push me when I get tired. It was really nice to choose my own colour. They are so expensive, I feel lucky to have been given one.

Watch Wimbledon on Saturday, 13 July, to see Lucy’s coin toss before The Ladies’ Wheelchair Singles Final.

Find the stories of the other young people chosen for coin toss ceremonies ahead of the Wimbledon Finals, including young wheelchair user Alex Batt (age 10), who will toss the coin at the Gentlemen's Wheelchair Singles Final on Sunday, 14 July, representing the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust.