Chadwell Heath youngster to flip the coin at Wimbledon final
Uma Baker-Bahl at Centre Court at The All England Club, Wimbledon, where she will toss the coin ahead of the 2016 Ladies Singles Final on July 9. - Credit: Dan Hodges/Barnardos
An 11-year-old girl who helps care after her disabled mum and aunt will soon have a dream come true.
Uma Baker-Bahl at Centre Court at The All England Club, Wimbledon, where she will toss the coin ahead of the 2016 Ladies Singles Final on July 9. - Credit: Dan Hodges/Barnardos
Uma Baker-Bahl, who lives off Chadwell Heath Lane, Chadwell Heath, will have the honour of flipping the coin before this year’s Ladies’ Singles Final at The Championships, Wimbledon.
The youngster, who hopes her favourite tennis player Serena Williams will be in the final, attends Barnardo’s Indigo Young Carers, Ilford, which supports children and teenagers who look after disabled relatives.
Uma said: “My mum and my aunt both have multiple sclerosis. My aunt is in a wheelchair and my mum is tired all the time, so she can’t do much and we don’t really go out.
“I have to help look after them both. Through Barnardo’s, I can relate to other young carers and
let it all out. I love watching Wimbledon. My favourite player is Serena Williams – her technique is amazing and she’s really athletic.
“When I was asked to toss the coin at the ladies’ final, I was over the moon. Just to go to Wimbledon would be amazing enough, but to know I’ll be the one going out there to flip the coin is just incredible.”
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The event, to be screened in front of millions on Saturday, fulfils an ambition held by the tennis fan since the age of five.
But it is Uma’s dedication to her family that has landed her a Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award nomination.
Jo Chaney, manager of Barnardo’s Indigo service, said: “It’s such an honour for Uma to be chosen for the coin toss, and she really deserves it. She’s so dedicated to helping her mum and her aunt and she’s really supportive of other young people who have care responsibilities.”
