KATIE HAS A NEW WAY TO SERVE
KATIE BOULTER has volunteered to work for Age UK during lockdown because she is missing her grandad.
And the Fed Cup star will be available to visit and chat about tennis, football – or anything else – to London pensioners from today.
Boulter, 23, shares a special relationship and a love of Leicester City with her grandfather Brian, 84.
Although there is no WTA Tour or Wimbledon this summer, the Londonbased Fox admits the biggest hole in her life has been not seeing her family since February, especially Brian and his wife Gill.
Until they meet again, Boulter is planning to make new older friends in the capital. “It’s been hard for me during lockdown,” said Boulter.
“I’ve actually signed up to do an Age UK charity thing in which I get to visit elderly people.
“I have a close relationship with my grandpa – he was the person who introduced me to Leicester and I’m really missing him – so it makes me feel better. I can try and help them during this difficult time.
“I have finished my training today so I am able to start straightaway – this week I hope.
“They pair you with up to three people. I think it will be a mixture of people who live around me in London. You can either go and see them, talk to them over the phone, do their shopping and basically just try and make their lives easier. Hopefully they won’t be so lonely. It keeps them busy.
“It’s great if they are Leicester fans, I would have a lot to talk to them about. It will be anyone who needs someone to chat to and I can’t wait to get involved. And if I can help in any way then it makes me happy.”
Inspired by her friend, men’s world No.81 Frances Tiafoe (above), Boulter also joined other sports stars in speaking out over George Floyd on Black Out Tuesday this week.
She added: “The situation is tragic and I would say it is unacceptable. I care about my tennis. I love to get out there and do my absolute best.
“It means everything to me. But there are bigger problems. It’s important – especially now – that we do that together as one.”
■■Age UK advice line: 0800 678 1602; Katie is also a member of the LTA’S Pro Scholarship Programme