This Sunday 11-year-old Joshua Bills will step on to Centre Court at Wimbledon, representing The Fire Fighters Charity, to conduct the coin toss before the Gentlemen’s Singles Final.
Joshua, who has complex needs and whose father, Dan, is a London Fire Brigade firefighter who was present at the Grenfell Tower fire last June, was chosen by The Wimbledon Foundation to carry out the important honour as he and his family were supported by our Child and Family Programme.
Our relationship with Wimbledon has been a long standing one as The Wimbledon Foundation regularly donates to us in recognition of the role the London Fire Brigade play in delivering The Championships. Joshua’s father, Dan, is one of many London Fire Brigade Service Stewards who work across the event to assist the public in attendance.
Dr Jill Tolfrey, Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “Joshua’s story exemplifies what The Fire Fighters Charity does because we’re very clear that it’s not just operational staff that need support, but actually the whole family. If the family is supported and functioning well, then the operational staff are able to do their jobs effectively and be there for us when we need them in times of emergency.
“We are hugely grateful to The Wimbledon Foundation for its continued support and for offering us, and Joshua, this incredible opportunity. We will be watching the coin toss on Sunday with great pride and wishing Joshua and his family all the best for a fantastic day.”