Rockinghorse CEO, Ryan Heal, with David Gower OBE.
Cricketing legend, David Gower, is the latest sporting star to attend the Best of British charity lunch in Gatwick.
He joined Rockinghorse for an afternoon of fundraising at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel. Held on Friday 8 November, it was the fifth annual Best of British charity sporting lunch in Gatwick and played host to 300 guests from businesses across Sussex.
David Gower was special guest speaker at the event, where we raised an incredible £24,500! Money was raised through fundraising activities during the afternoon, including an auction.
We are best-known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton. Our charity also supports many other paediatric services in the county, including the Special Care Baby Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.
Former Sky Sports presenter and commentator, David Gower, has had an illustrious career as a world-class cricketer. His successful sporting career saw him captain the England cricket team during the 1980’s.
Some of the sporting memorabilia on offer in the silent auction.
Supporting our projects in Sussex
Guests were thrilled to hear his stories from the glory days, especially tales from the 1985 Ashes win. With his impressive history in first-class cricket, he was inducted in the Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.
Funds raised from the Best of British sporting lunch will be donated towards the projects we are supporting this Christmas. These include our current Christmas appeal which is supporting the Oncology ward at the Alex.
Ryan Heal, Rockinghorse Chief Executive and Best of British event organiser, says, “I am always blown away by the generosity shown by our guests at our Best of British events. Year after year, attendees help us raise a fantastic amount of money. Their generosity enables us to make a huge difference to the lives of sick children, right here in Sussex.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helps make our sporting lunches a success, including our wonderful sponsors and those who join us on the day. We look forward to many more events like this in the coming years.”
The Rockinghorse team and volunteers.
A special Best of British event in 2020
Best of British will return in 2020 with a very special guest. It has been announced that Oscar-winning actress and British film legend, Dame Judi Dench, will be the star of the next Best of British event! Join us at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on Thursday 26 March from 6.30pm.
In great anticipation of the new James Bond film, this is an event not to be missed and tables are selling fast. For more details email info@bestofbritish.org.uk.
