Pat Sharp of Albany Tennis Club was personally presented with the LTA’s coveted Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday 16 October for her longstanding services to tennis.

LTA President, David Rawlinson was on the Island to personally present Pat with her trophy in front of friends and family at Albany Lawn Tennis Club. Former British number one, Greg Rusedski, also surprised Pat with a video message congratulating her on her achievement.

Pat was announced as the winner by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester at a live-streamed awards ceremony presented by Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith on 24 June, with Saturday’s presentation providing the opportunity to physically present Sharp with her trophy.

Pat has taken a lead role at Albany Lawn Tennis Club for nearly 60 years and has served on Albany’s Committee for all but one year of her membership. She has had a huge impact on tennis - and sport - in the Isle of Man. In 1973, she helped set up the IOMLTA Junior Coaching Committee before later going on to be appointed to the new Isle Of Man Sports Council in 1990. Ten years later, the tennis trailblazer was the recipient of the LTA Meritorious Service award for services to Manx tennis.

Her passion for junior tennis has inspired thousands of children to pick up a racket while her fundraising efforts have led to a new clubhouse and the Isle of Man’s first indoor tennis court.

On receiving her LTA Lifetime Achievement Award, Pat Sharp said: “I was happy to accept this award on behalf of all I have worked with over almost 60 years and the trophy will reside in the club’s trophy cabinet so that everyone can share it.”

“I was incredibly shocked to receive a video message of congratulations from Greg Rusedski. Despite knowing Greg years ago when we used to travel to Davis Cup ties with G Force, his fan club, he still sends all of us a Christmas card each year. His message is on the club website for all to listen to.”

“Pat has been and still is an incredible ambassador for tennis on the Isle of Man” said LTA President, David Rawlinson.”

“The time, commitment and energy that Pat has put into tennis for close to 60 years, showing continued teamwork and leadership, is amazing, and she is a fully deserving recipient of the LTA Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“It was great to be able to travel to the Isle of Man to personally present Pat with her trophy.”

To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to https://www.lta.org.uk