A rising star in the padel community, 23-year-old West Midlander Ben Coeulle, is planning a series of fundraising events in 2025 to raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

Ben’s motivation to fundraise came following news of his cousin’s breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

At just 32 years old, Danielle found a lump in one of her breasts. The cancer has since spread to her lymph nodes and for the last few months she’s been undergoing chemotherapy treatment – and in the coming weeks is due to have surgery followed by a year-and-half of radiotherapy. 

The British padel player, currently ranked 28th in Great Britain, said: “Watching her navigate such a life-changing illness has been incredibly tough. 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 fundraiser took place earlier this month in his hometown, when he ran in the Royal Sutton Fun Run in Sutton Coldfield with his brother Louis. The event was open to people of all ages and abilities and encourages participants to raise money for good causes. Admittedly not a keen runner, Ben endured the 8.5-mile run raising more than £800 in donations.

Next up will be a series of padel events across the UK, the first taking place at We Are Padel Derby on 12th July – where he trains at the indoor centre four or five times a week. More than 40 people will compete in a series of tournaments across the 11 courts until one person is crowned the winner. 
 
The event is open to the public and hopes to be a party atmosphere with an evening of padel, music, food, and drink, but also a chance to raise awareness and importantly money for the charity. People are being encouraged to wear blue, orange, or pink to match the charity’s colours. 
 
Ben, who works for HSBC in the commercial banking team, said: “The padel community is really social and everyone was keen to support me and help stage the tournament in Derby. 

“Every step I take and every point I play is dedicated to helping Breast Cancer UK continue their amazing work in preventing breast cancer, supporting those affected and funding vital research. No woman or man should suffer from this type of illness.” 
 
Prior to the Derby event, Ben will be taking part in an invite-only tournament in Manchester on 4th July, where he plans to continue his fundraising efforts and potentially be joined on court by England football legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. 

Ben added: “All the research to try and resolve the issue is so important. I didn't want to do it for a mainstream charity; Breast Cancer UK felt like it was a more personal charity, and it had a family kind of vibe which appealed to me."

Ben's fundraising target is £1,500 but he’s aiming to exceed it by the end of the year by arranging even more padel events. 

To follow his fundraising journey, check out his Instagram and to make a donation visit his JustGiving page.