Rob Andrew MBE with Ryan Heal , Chief Executive of Rockinghorse.
The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne welcomed 200 guests to the Best of British charitable sporting lunch on Friday 13 September.
Raising funds for Rockinghorse, the event played host to special guest speaker, Rob Andrew MBE. Supported by headline sponsors, Rix & Kay Solicitors, plus co-sponsor FirmBalls and media sponsor Platinum Publishing Group, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch before hearing from Mr Andrew himself.
Rob Andrew MBE with headline sponsor Rix & Kay Solicitors and their guests.
England’s rugby star
Now Chief Executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, Rob Andrew began his sporting career playing rugby. He rose to fame as one of England’s Rugby Union stars back in the 1980’s and continued in his role as fly-half at various clubs, until 1999.
Since then, Rob has enjoyed a brief career in first-class cricket. In January 2017, he was appointed Chief Executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, who are based in Hove.
With a varied sporting career to reflect on, Rob recalled tales from both his rugby and cricket era’s. He also discussed his move into management, enjoying his time in charge of the Sussex Sharks.
Rob Andrew MBE was special guest speaker at Best of British Eastbourne.
Over £13,000 raised!
The Best of British sporting lunch has raised an incredible £13,300 for our charity. Funds were raised thanks to a raffle and auction which were held during the afternoon.
We are best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. However, we also support children’s wards at local hospitals across Sussex, as well as neonatal units, paediatric services and respite centres in the county.
Rob captivated the room with stories from his sporting past.
Supporting Hazel Court
From funds raised at the Best of British sporting lunch, we have pledged to support Hazel Court School in Eastbourne. Hazel Court is a special school for children and young people aged 11-19 years old who have severe disabilities and complex needs.
The school is currently fundraising for a brand new state-of-the-art sensory room to further improve the facilities for its students. We are delighted to be able to support the project thanks to funds raised at the Best of British lunch in Eastbourne.
Hazel Court School in Eastbourne will benefit from funds raised.
Making a direct impact
Ryan Heal is Chief Executive of Rockinghorse and organiser of the Best of British events. He says, “Supporting Hazel Court means that we are able to bring the school a step closer to making their sensory room dreams a reality.
“Therapy support staff will be able to use the brand-new sensory room for assessment development and to implement therapeutic programmes. This will help to improve physical and sensory processing.
“We are so proud to be able make a direct impact on the staff and students at the school. My sincere thanks goes to everyone who so very generously donated to the project during the afternoon.”
The Rockinghorse team and volunteers.
Our next Best of British event
The Best of British sporting lunch will return to the Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel on Friday 8 November. The event will welcome special guest speaker, cricket legend, David Gower OBE. Tables of 10 are available now for £750. To book, email info@bestofbritish.org.uk.
To find out more about our projects, please click here.
Special thanks to Stephen Johnson Photography for capturing our event so beautifully.
