Murray pledges £50 an ace for refugee children
ANDY Murray has pledged £50 for every ace he hits for the rest of the season to help children caught in the refugee crisis.
The world number three said he felt he ‘had to do something’ after seeing images on the news of thousands of families forced to make dangerous journeys to Europe.
His money will go to Unicef to support its help for children forced to flee their homes in the Syrian civil war.
Murray’s sponsor Standard Life and the tennis governing bodies LTA and ATP will match his donation, so every ace will raise £200 for the international children’s charity.
The star – born in Glasgow but brought up in Dunblane, Perthshire – spoke out ahead of Britain’s Davis Cup semi-final against Australia in Glasgow today.
He said: ‘I felt I had to do something to help the millions of children and their families forced to flee their homes – who had their lives turned upside down.
‘I’ll get that little bit more satisfaction from each ace knowing it will be helping Unicef keep children safe.’
The 2013 Wimbledon men’s singles champion added: ‘I’m also asking my fans across the world to j oin with me to support Unicef’s vital work.’
People can donate £ 5 by texting ACE to 70800, or go online at www. justgiving. com/ Andys Aces, where a target of £15,000 has been set.
Murray, 28, due to become a father early next year, hit 64 aces in his four matches at the US Open this month, which would have raised £12,800.
As well as the Davis Cup tie against Australia, he is due to compete in Shanghai, Paris and at the World Tour finals in London before the end of the year.
And there could be a Davis Cup final to add to that if Britain beats Australia.
Unicef UK executive director David Bull said Murray’s example would help children wherever a disaster arose.
He added: ‘The support of Andy, and his fans and the wider tennis community, can help us continue to provide support for children.’