AN ECLECTIC mix of players took part in Saltford Lawn Tennis Club’s ‘Start the Conversation’ tournament in memory of Russell Simmons.
Russ was a well-loved, charismatic and talented young man who was sadly lost to suicide in March 2013. This tournament gives Russ’s family and friends the opportunity to remember him by taking part in a sport he loved and excelled at.
The tournament also endeavours to raise awareness about the devasting impact of suicide. The competition is made up of current and former members of Saltford LTC and Russell’s friends.
It was a ‘compass draw’ format, and probably only the organiser really understood how it worked. There were two stages to the tournament, the first to establish seedings and the second being the ‘knockout’ stage.
The strong pairing of John Moruzzi and Joe Bellamy were the ones to beat after being ranked number 1 seeds – but anything can happen in the knockout stages.
Neil Willey and Andy Flower were amongst the lower-ranked pairings but soon earned the title of “giant killers” as they progressed to the final, beating the number 3 seeds (Tom Griffith and Rhys Messenger) and the highly favoured number 1 seeds.
In the final, Neil and Andy F encountered the suave and sophisticated pairing of Guy Muggleton and Andy Grant (number 2 seeds). Guy and Andy G raced out to an 8-4 lead in the championship tie-break but Neil and Andy F played some inspired tennis to get the score back to 8 all.
But the number 2 seeds proved to be a step too far for them and they lost the final 10-8. After an entertaining final, Guy and Andy G were crowned winners of the tournament.
The spectators were able to keep their energy levels up by indulging in a vast array of goodies, including the club chair’s infamous sausage rolls and some delicious cakes donated by The Little Coffee Shop.
It was a very entertaining day and the camaraderie shown between the players and spectators was truly remarkable.
The event so far has raised just over £600, which will be split between Suicide Prevention Bristol and Saltford LTC’s tennis inclusion projects.
Before David Simmons presented the trophy, Tom Warren paid a touching tribute to his good friend Russ. After the presentation, many took shelter in the sports bar (as Kath Wilson, who was in charge of organising the weather, had only ordered dry weather until 2pm) where members of the tennis club took advantage of their sports bar membership.
Although this was an uplifting event, the emotive topic of suicide and suicide prevention was and always will be addressed.
If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone – they won’t judge you, they will only offer you help and support. Please remember they would rather know how you felt than be made to attend your funeral.
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652 is open 6pm to midnight every day.
Pictured above, Dave Simmons with tournament winners Andy Grant and Guy Muggleton. Below, the players celebrate the event
