Andy Murray raises £83k for Syrian children

World number two Andy Murray, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the Association of Professional Tennis (ATP) has raised £83,000 (US$120,680, €111,140) for children affected by the conflict in Syria.

In September 2015, the 2013 Wimbledon champion pledged that he would donate £50 (US$73, €67) to Unicef for every ace he hit until the end of the year. His commitment was matched by the LTA, ATP and sponsors Standard Life and Under Armour.

“I remember watching the news last summer and deciding I wanted to do something to help some of the millions of children whose lives have turned upside down by the situation in Syria,” said Murray.

Additional money was raised through support from fans, the Tie Break Tens tournament, Standard Life employee fundraising and the ATP Aces for Charity programme, which donated £10,120 (US$14,714, €13,551) in total. From 29 October, all UK public donations were matched by the UK government.

“I know how hard Unicef are working to support these children, and millions of others around the world and I’m proud to have been able to help,” added Murray.

Unicef UK executive director, David Bull, said the organisation was “incredibly grateful” for Murray’s support.

“Almost five years into the conflict, Syria remains one of the most dangerous places to be a child and millions of children have lost loved ones, homes and schools,” he added. “The support of Andy, his fans and the wider tennis community will help us provide support for children who have lost so much.”