A renowned former Wimbledon tennis player and 'pillar' of the Isle of Wight community has died at the age of 90.
Beloved Ryde resident Patricia (Pat) Maclean twice reached the fourth round of Wimbledon's singles tournament and was a two-time women's doubles quarter-finalist.
Born in Acton, London, on November 11, 1934, Pat moved to the Island after meeting her husband Ken Maclean.
Together, they had two children, Alistair and Sheena.
As a tennis player, Pat had a celebrated career, going on to represent Great Britain in the 1954 Wightman Cup.
Beyond her time on the court, she dedicated her life to coaching and inspiring young athletes.
As recently as 2024, Pat visited Wimbledon with members of Ryde's Mead Lawn Tennis Club, watching a range of elite matches and even bumping into Cliff Richard.
Despite rubbing shoulders with tennis stars and celebrities on her frequent trips to Wimbledon, Pat's heart always remained with the Ryde community.
After Ken died in 2011, Pat moved to Brigstocke Terrace in Ryde, overlooking Mead Lawn Tennis Club, where she taught many years ago.
Earlier this year, Pat was awarded the Freedom of Ryde, acknowledging her sporting achievements, and the love, dedication and inspiration she brought to the town.
Presenting the award, mayor of Ryde, Cllr Richard May, said: "Pat Maclean's name is etched into Ryde’s sporting history.
"It is a privilege to present this award to someone who has shaped so many lives with kindness and passion."
Alistair and Sheena said their mother's death on Thursday came as a "bit of a shock". Pat had recently been through major cancer surgery for the third time and was getting much better, they said.
Pat lived for her social life and she will be very much missed by her friends and family, including her two grandsons, Archie, 10, and William, 11, they added.
