Cousin's cancer drives padel player's efforts

A British padel player is to take part in a series of fundraising events to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

Ben Coeulle, 23, from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, was inspired to fundraise for Breast Cancer UK after his cousin was diagnosed with the disease aged 32.

Danielle has been undergoing chemotherapy and is set to have radiotherapy, after finding a lump in one of her breasts, with the disease spreading to her lymph nodes.

"Watching her navigate such a life-changing illness has been incredibly tough," the athlete said.

"It's shown me just how vital it is to support breast cancer research and raise awareness and I'm determined to make a difference."

His first charity event took place in Sutton Coldfield where he ran the town's 8.5 mile fun run earlier this year, raising more than £800 for the charity.

Coeulle, currently ranked 28th in Great Britain, will next take part in a fundraising event at We Are Padel Derby on 12 July, where he trains several times a week.

More than 40 people will compete in a series of tournaments across 11 courts at the centre, until one person is crowned the winner.

He said he was aiming to raise £1,500 for Breast Cancer UK by the end of the year.

"No woman or man should suffer from this type of illness," he added.

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