A tennis club has paid tribute to a player’s dead wife by raising thousands for the charity that cared for her in her last weeks.

Peter Morton’s wife Linda died of cancer at Princess Alice Hospice in Esher last November at the age of 37.

The marketing manager had been a devoted mother to daughter Hannah, now two, and had cherished each moment spent with her at the hospice.

Kindhearted players were so moved by the care staff showed Linda they raised £11,000 at a black tie dinner in June.

Mr Morton, 37, a solicitor, said he was “touched’’ at the support of his friends when they bid double the target of £5,000 for tennis star Andy Murray’s signed tennis racket and a round of golf with Nick Faldo.

He said: “I knew that Linda’s story was the reason for the event taking place, but listening to the way people spoke about her as they highlighted why we should raise money was really quite something.

“It was like being lifted up by 100 people.’’ Mr Morton, who was crowned the Sutton club’s men’s singles champion this year - a feat he last held when 18-years-old - is now sole carer for his daughter.

He said his wife Linda lived on through the toddler, who was only four months old when her mother was diagnosed.

He said: “She’s my ray of sunshine and I feel so lucky to have her. I miss Linda so much but having Hannah to love and care for keeps me going.

“She’s such a wonderful baby – she has her mum’s big, blue eyes, blonde hair and happy, sunny nature.’’ He added: “I was shocked to find out that the Princess Alice Hospice relies solely on donations.

“They made the last few weeks a lot easier and I hope this donation goes a little way to helping them provide such a great service.’’