Support Lily's journey to compete in the Australian Open!
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Welcome to Lily’s Fundraising Page
We are fundraising to support Lily as she competes for the second time in the prestigious Australian Open’s Players With Intellectual Impairment Championships in Melbourne, January 2025!
Thank you in advance for any support you can provide, whether it’s through a donation or sharing this page to spread the word. Your generosity means the world to us!
About Lily
Lily’s journey has been extraordinary right from the start. Born in August 2000, Lily faced life-threatening challenges within days of her birth. She was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save her life while she fought meningitis and septicemia. Lily’s condition was so critical that she was placed on a life-support machine, and her mother, Tallulah, was told to prepare for the worst.
Remarkably, Lily survived. She was later diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Galactosaemia, which prevents her body from processing galactose, a sugar found in milk. Left untreated, this condition can lead to severe brain damage, organ failure, and death.
Although Lily pulled through, the challenges didn’t end there. She has faced cognitive impairments, including learning disabilities, an IQ of 42, short-term memory loss, and physical hurdles like poor coordination and a tremor. Despite this, Lily has grown into a spirited, resilient young woman with an incredible drive to overcome barriers and achieve her dreams. In addition to her passion for tennis, Lily has spent the past two years volunteering weekly at the Foundling Museum, a role she loves and takes pride in.
Tennis: Lily’s Lifeline
Growing up, Lily often struggled to connect with peers and found herself increasingly isolated as others her age outgrew her needs. However, tennis became her sanctuary. Picking up her first racket at the age of 5 and dedicating herself more seriously by 12, tennis has given Lily confidence, purpose, and opportunities she never imagined.
The sport has been transformative for Lily, improving her mental and physical health, while offering her the chance to shine in ways that go far beyond the court. Over the years, Lily’s skills have soared through relentless practice and training. Tennis provides her with the routine and structure she thrives on, helping her push boundaries others thought impossible.
Achievements
Lily’s dedication has resulted in an impressive list of accomplishments, including some incredible new milestones over the past year:
- Representing Team GB at the 2017 Special Olympic Summer Games in Sheffield, where she won Silver in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles.
- Competing at the 2019 Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi, earning Double Gold in Singles and Mixed Doubles.
- Bringing home Bronze in Singles and Gold in Mixed Doubles in 2023 at both the Virtus Global Games in Vichy and the Berlin Special Olympics, within the same week.
- Winning Silver in Ladies Doubles at the 2024 Australian Open’s Players With Intellectual Impairment Championships during her debut in Melbourne.
- Earning two Bronze medals at the Virtus Sport World Games in Annecy, France, in September 2024.
- Lily is also the only female player in the LTA Development Squad, an incredible honour that underscores her talent and determination.
- Serving as an ambassador for Bright Ideas for Tennis, the Dan Maskell Trust, Special Olympics GB, and Virtus Sport, inspiring others with her story and passion for inclusion in sports.
The Australian Open 2025
This winter, Lily is thrilled to be heading back to the Australian Open’s Players With Intellectual Impairment Championships, this time to build on her achievements from her debut in 2024. Competing alongside other top-ranked athletes from around the world, this prestigious event gives elite players with intellectual impairments the chance to perform at the highest level.
Lily is one of just 8 women selected globally, a testament to her incredible skill, dedication, and perseverance. Sharing the same courts as some of the greatest names in tennis, this opportunity is not only an honour but also a chance for Lily to continue proving what’s possible when given the chance to succeed.
Why We Need Your Support
Getting Lily to Melbourne for her second Australian Open is a monumental effort. The funds raised will go directly toward:
- Travel costs for Lily and her essential support team.
- Accommodation and training in Australia to help her acclimatise and prepare for the competition.
- Specialist coaching, equipment, and other essentials to ensure she’s ready to take on this incredible challenge.
How You Can Help
Your support-whether it’s through a donation or sharing this page will have a direct impact on Lily’s life. Every contribution helps Lily get one step closer to making her dream of competing (and winning!) at the Australian Open a reality once again.
Thank You
Lily’s incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness and support of family, friends, and generous strangers who have been touched by her story. From her devoted mother and full-time carer, Tallulah, to her brilliant coaches and mentors, Team Lily is endlessly grateful for everyone who has helped make these dreams possible.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in Lily and for supporting her in this exciting next chapter.
With love,
Team Lily x
Organizer
Team Lily Mills
Organizer
England