Andy Murray has promised to donate £50 for every ace that he hits until the end of the year to help children affected by the refugee crisis.
The British number one said he had been touched by the moving scenes in recent weeks and was keen to help support the work being done by children’s organisation Unicef around the crisis.
“Having seen the images broadcast on the news in recent weeks I felt I had to do something to help the millions of children and their families who have been forced to flee their homes and had their lives turned upside down,” Murray said in a statement.
“I’ll get that little bit more satisfaction from each ace I hit knowing that it will be helping Unicef keep children safe.
“I’m also asking my fans across the world to join with me to and support Unicef’s vital work. Together we can help make a safer world for every child.”
Murray has also launched a fundraising page on Just Giving to provide additional donations.
“For every ace I serve in a match between now and the end of 2015, I’ll donate £50 to Unicef’s work for children in emergencies,” he wrote on the site.
“Spurred on by the child migrant and refugee crisis, I’m asking tennis fans across the world to donate and help every child whose world has been turned upside down by conflict or disaster.”
Unicef UK Executive Director David Bull said: “The conflict in Syria continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of children, both in the region and beyond.
“The fear, the lack of opportunity and loss of hope has forced thousands of families to make the dangerous journey to Europe.
“The support of Andy, and his fans and the wider tennis community can help us continue to provide support for children whenever and however disaster strikes.”
