Sports dinner with rugby star pulls in cash for Swindon children (From Swindon Advertiser)

Sports dinner with rugby star pulls in cash for Swindon children

7:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

A CENTRE which provides care for children with disabilities is set to benefit from a Rotary Club sporting dinner.

The event, held at the Blunsdon House Hotel on Tuesday, was organised by The Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town and included a talk from England rugby star Phil Vickery.

President Peter Hayman said: “We made more than £4,000 on the raffle and auction, and including ticket sales we raised more than £5,000, so it will be a good donation towards Hop, Skip and Jump.

“We had various games and the main event was Phil Vickery’s talk. He was absolutely superb, he talked about his rugby days and Masterchef days and then answered questions.”

Phil started playing rugby at the age of 12 at his local club, Bude RFC, before moving on to Redruth.

His rugby career included 73 caps for England, five British and Irish Lions caps and a World Cup winner’s medal.

Since retiring due to a neck injury, Phil continues to give up his time for a number of charities. In 2011 he won the celebrity Masterchef title.

The event also included entertainment from comedian Adger Brown.

Hop, Skip and Jump Swindon offers families of children with life-limiting disease or special needs a respite.

The centre, based at Upper Shaw Farm, opened in 2011.

Peter said the Rotarians chose to support the centre because they like to back local causes.

“It is good to support people in Africa and Asia but there are people in Swindon that need help as well. Last year we gave away more than £20,000 to 50 charities,” he said.

“This year we hope to exceed that.”

Hop Skip and Jump Swindon centre manager Michael Lowe said: “It was absolutely fabulous. The money will make a huge difference.”

For more information about The Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town visit swindonoldtownrotary.org.