Girl is part of Wimbledon history

Emily Bailes was diagnosed with cancer three months ago.

A five-year-old tennis fan from Walsall, who is fighting cancer, has had the honour of flipping the coin at the women's final at Wimbledon.

Emily Bailes was involved in a piece of history as Russian teenager Maria Sharapova went onto claim victory after winning the toss and serving first.

The 17-year-old becomes the third youngest women's champion at Wimbledon.

Emily went to the event thanks to the 1969 champion Ann Jones, who lives in Birmingham.

Birthday present

The youngster was diagnosed with kidney cancer three months ago.

But doctors have given her an 80% chance of beating the disease after removing her right kidney.

She is currently undergoing a six-month course of chemotherapy.

Emily's favourite player, the defending champion, Serena Williams, was beaten in straight sets, 6-1 6-4, on centre court.

But the day out was a fantastic birthday present as Emily turns six the day after the final.

Maria Sharapova won a title in Birmingham before Wimbledon

Her mother, Amanda, said: "It is great to have a break and forget about the hospital for a few days.

""Emily has been through a lot in the last few months.

""It is really nice for Emily and the whole family to come to such a huge event. "

She had also travelled to London with her father Eddie and nine-year-old sister Jessica and was treated to lunch and tea in the players' restaurant.

The girl was one of 20 children being treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital to be entered into a draw for the trip to Wimbledon.

The hospital was offered the one-off experience through their long-term connection with Ann Jones.

Sharapova had warmed up for Wimbledon by picking up her first grass-court title in Birmingham last month, the DFS Classic at Edgbaston.