In the latest episode of Padel Smash Academy, Julian Sets welcomes a truly inspirational guest—Charlie Moon. A professional padel player and a four-time cancer survivor, Charlie shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, faith, and his love for padel. His story is a testament to the unifying power of sports and the strength of the human spirit.
Overcoming the Impossible: Charlie’s Journey with Cancer
Charlie’s story is nothing short of remarkable. As a four-time cancer survivor, he has endured more hardship than most people experience in a lifetime. Diagnosed with advanced leukemia, he was given just weeks to live. However, his relentless spirit, combined with medical treatment and an unwavering belief in life, kept him going.
His journey took him from hospitals in London, Ecuador, and the U.S. to the courts of international padel tournaments. Each diagnosis was another battle, but he refused to give up. Instead, he leaned on his faith, his community, and his love for padel to push through the toughest moments.
Padel: More Than Just a Sport
For Charlie, padel is more than just a game—it’s a lifeline. The sport has not only given him physical strength but has also united people around him in his fight against cancer. The padel community has rallied behind him, organizing tournaments, raffles, and fundraisers to support his medical journey.
“Padel unites people,” Charlie says. “It’s more than a sport; it’s a family.”
From Tennis to Padel: Charlie’s Athletic Evolution
Originally a tennis player in Ecuador, Charlie transitioned to padel during his time in the UAE. His first serious competition was at the World Padel Tour in 2015. Over the years, he has seen the sport grow, especially in Ecuador, where padel has expanded from just a few courts to over 600.
Charlie’s passion for padel remains strong, and he dreams of competing again. But for him, every match is a gift, and simply stepping onto the court is a victory in itself.
The Mental Battle: Fighting Cancer with Positivity
Throughout his multiple diagnoses, Charlie discovered the power of mindset. His second battle with cancer was different—he refused traditional treatment and focused on a stress-free, holistic approach. To his doctors’ surprise, he was declared cancer-free without undergoing chemotherapy.
His key lesson? “The most dangerous cancer in the world is stress.” Charlie emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, valuing health, and not taking life too seriously. “We all lose to life eventually, so we must enjoy every second.”
The Fourth Battle and a Miraculous Recovery
In late 2024, Charlie faced his toughest battle yet—bone metastasis with cancer spreading to 22 parts of his body. The situation seemed hopeless, but with an aggressive treatment plan and a successful bone marrow transplant from his brother, he defied the odds once again. Today, he celebrates each day as a gift, appreciating the simple joys of life.
Giving Back: Padel vs. Cancer
Charlie has turned his struggles into an opportunity to help others. He founded Padel vs. Cancer, a movement that raises funds and awareness for cancer patients. Through raffles, charity matches, and community support, he ensures that those in need receive emotional and financial assistance.
He encourages everyone to contribute, whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply spreading awareness. Even small acts—like donating a toothbrush or a bar of soap—can make a difference in the life of a cancer patient.
Final Message: Living Without Regrets
Charlie’s story is a powerful reminder to appreciate life’s smallest blessings. He urges everyone to cherish their health, value their loved ones, and find joy in the present. His mantra is simple yet profound: “If you have health, you are wealthy.”
At Padel Smash Academy, we are honored to share Charlie’s story. His resilience, positivity, and dedication to padel inspire us all. Let’s support him in his mission and continue spreading the message of hope and unity through sport.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support Padel vs. Cancer, reach out to Charlie directly or stay tuned for upcoming fundraising events. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.