A GIRL who has struggled to come to terms with the death of her mother realised her dream as she stepped onto Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

Eleven-year-old Tia Carter, from Carterton, took to the court on Saturday to conduct the all-important coin toss before the women’s final with Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber.

Oxford Mail:

Ms Kerber won her first Wimbledon title and spoiled her opponent’s dream comeback with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Tia, whose father serves in the RAF, represented both the air force and the RAF Benevolent Fund, which has supported her since the death of her mother, when she stepped out on the court.

As well as meeting the two tennis stars, she was also given the opportunity to meet Duchesses Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton.

The youngster said: “I had an absolutely amazing time at Wimbledon, it was such an experience and something I will never forget.

“I loved meeting the Duchesses and also loved the women’s final. I was disappointed that Serena lost but doing the coin toss and meeting them up close was unbelievable. Walking out onto Centre Court was such a great feeling. I was really nervous to start with but after it was over I wanted to do it again.

“The whole day has been a dream come true. I thank everybody that has made it happen for me. My favourite part was when I was stood in the middle of Centre Court and performed the coin toss. I’m just glad it all worked out and the practising paid off. “My favourite piece of memorabilia is when Grant (the head grounds man) gave me the two towels embroidered with the players’ names that they used during the final and I also got to keep the coin that I did the toss with.”

Tia and the RAF Benevolent Fund were nominated by the Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Championships to mark the centenary of the RAF and the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces and Wimbledon.

The youngster’s father Wayne serves at RAF Brize Norton, as did her mother Joyce, who died suddenly in November last year following a sudden stroke at the age of 46.

The RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship youth support scheme, Airplay, has supported Tia as she comes to terms with the loss of her mother.

Airplay is run by the RAF Benevolent Fund at RAF stations around the UK providing youth support to young people aged from eight to 18.

To find out more about the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Airplay programme, go to www.rafbf.org/how-we-help/serving-raf-community/youth-support/rafbf-airplay/ Watch Tia on her first visit to Wimbledon: https://youtu.be/mJLIT5L3SH8