Wimbledon 2023: Ryan Peniston on how surviving cancer gives him a different perspective

As British number seven Ryan Peniston prepares for his second Wimbledon, his goal is simple – to continue giving young people with cancer hope.

The left-hander has received a wildcard for this year’s championships after reaching the second round at Queen’s, Nottingham and Surbiton.

Essex-born Peniston, now 27, was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, when he was a year old.

He spent eight months in hospital and his treatment – including surgery to remove a tumour and chemotherapy – stunted his growth as a child until he was 15.

Following his run to round two at the All England Club 12 months ago, Peniston became an ambassador for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity.

“I think I do have a different perspective on life than other tennis players because of what I’ve been through,” he told BBC Look East.

“My parents must have gone through hell. I look back and think how lucky I am to have a second chance at life.

“Thanks to a lot of amazing people, doctors and nurses, I’m able to sit here and the older I’ve got, the more I’ve appreciated what they did for me.”

Peniston says he has a “a lot of sympathy” for families going through similar experiences to the one his parents endured.

“The older I got I realised how big a deal it was, and what my parents went through,” he said.

“I don’t have children myself, but I can only imagine what it must be like having doctors telling you your children have cancer.

“It’s been a huge drive for me. Playing tennis, it gives me a different outlook on life. When I’m feeling down, I use it as inspiration and a source of strength and energy.”