Rising star in the Padel Community to raise funds for Breast Cancer UK

A rising star in the Padel community, 23-year-old West Midlander Ben Coeulle is planning a series of fundraising events in 2025 to raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

Ben’s motivation to fundraise came following news of his cousin’s breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

At just 32 years old, Danielle found a lump in one of her breasts. The cancer has since spread to her lymph nodes, and for the last few months, she’s been undergoing chemotherapy treatment – and in the coming weeks, she is due to have surgery followed by a year and a half of radiotherapy.

The British padel player, currently ranked 28th in Great Britain, said: “Watching her navigate such a life-changing illness has been incredibly tough. It’s shown me just how vital it is to support breast cancer research and raise awareness, and I’m determined to make a difference.”

His first fundraiser took place earlier this month in his hometown when he ran in the Royal Sutton Fun Run in Sutton Coldfield with his brother Louis. The event was open to people of all ages and abilities and encouraged participants to raise money for good causes. Admittedly not a keen runner, Ben endured the 8.5-mile run, raising more than £800 in donations.

Putting the “fun” in fundraising 

Next up is a series of padel events across the UK, the most recent being an invite-only tournament in Manchester on 4th and 5th July, where Ben continued to train whilst boosting his fundraising efforts and was even joined on court by comedian Jason Manford.

The biggest event so far is yet to come, and will take place at We Are Padel Derby on 12th July – where Ben trains at the indoor centre four or five times a week. More than 40 people will compete in a series of tournaments across the 11 courts until one person is crowned the winner.

The event is open to the public and hopes to have a party atmosphere with an evening of padel, music, food, and drink, but also a chance to raise awareness and importantly, money for the charity. People are being encouraged to wear blue, orange, or pink to match the charity’s colours.

Ben, who works for HSBC in the commercial banking team, said: “The padel community is really social and everyone was keen to support me and help stage the tournament in Derby.

“Every step I take and every point I play is dedicated to helping Breast Cancer UK continue their amazing work in preventing breast cancer, supporting those affected and funding vital research. No woman or man should suffer from this type of illness.”

A family affair

Ben’s passion for padel came from his dad, who played in Great Britain Masters competitions. He started playing socially about five years ago, but for the last two years has been taking part in tournaments. His aim is to climb the rankings board and become one of the top 10 padel players in Great Britain by the end of this year.

His enthusiasm for sport came from his education at an independent school where it was instilled in Ben to never be idle. He plays water polo – previously coaching the England team – and is a big advocate for keeping active and healthy.

Breast Cancer UK estimates that at least 30% of breast cancer cases in the UK can be prevented by making lifestyle changes. This is equivalent to around 17,000 breast cancer cases each year.

Being active can reduce your risk of breast cancer by around 20%. It’s thought that physical activity lowers the level of certain circulating hormones and reduces inflammation. This can help lower the likelihood of breast cancer developing and progressing. Read more here.

Ben was keen to raise money for Breast Cancer UK to help fund the research work the charity undertakes.

“All the research you do to try and resolve the issue is so important. I didn’t want to do it for a mainstream charity. Breast Cancer UK felt like it was a more personal charity, and it had a family kind of vibe which appealed to me,” he added.

His fundraising target is £1,500 but he’s aiming to exceed it by the end of the year by arranging even more padel events.

To follow Ben’s fundraising journey, check out his Instagram @ben_coeulle_padel and to make a donation visit his justgiving page.

If Ben’s story has inspired you to get creative to support Breast Cancer UK, simply click here to find out how you can get involved in your own fundraising effort, or contact the team here to get started.