Ross Hutchins could be forgiven for wanting to hide away from the public gaze as he fights cancer.
Instead, since Andy Murray tearfully dedicated his victory at January’s Brisbane International to his close friend, one of Britain's best tennis players has done a huge amount to raise awareness of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The 28-year-old will be undergoing gruelling chemotherapy sessions at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton for some time yet, but the Wimbledon-based tennis player, who finished last year ranked nine in the world doubles rankings with partner Colin Fleming, has vowed to be back playing early next year.
Hutchins this week appeared in a couple of national newspapers, and it’s fair to say that the pictures of him lying in a hospital bed receiving his treatment made for rather uncomfortable viewing.
But the fact that a professional sportsman in the prime of his career has been so open, as well as positive, about the ordeal he is going through is truly inspirational.
Man on a mission: Ross Hutchins is raising much-needed funds for Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and awareness of Hodgkin's lymphoma SP74694
That attitude has extended to Hutchins aiming to raise £100,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to give something back to those helping him through the battle.
A central part of the fund-raising will be a doubles tournament straight after the final of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s on June 16.
Murray has agreed to partner Tim Henman on grass for the first time in a contest with the Scot’s coach Ivan Lendl and his Czech compatriot Tomas Berdych.
The fact that Murray immediately agreed to take part, even though it comes at the height of his Wimbledon preparations, speaks volumes for a man who has sometimes struggled to match the popularity of Henman, despite surpassing his achievements on the tennis court.
It’s a fantastic cause and evidence once again of how sport can be used as a vehicle for bringing about positive change.
A donation of £10 from each finals day ticket will go to the charity, while donations can be made at justgiving.com/rallyagainstcancer2013.
Emotional: Andy Murray dedicates his Brisbane International win to his best friend Ross Hutchins
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