THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS have partnered with Velindre Cancer Centre/Canolfan Ganser Felindre for the 2017 Tour to New Zealand.
For the first time the Lions will officially support the charity which makes a difference to cancer patients and their families, including holding a fund-raising dinner at Cardiff City Hall on February 10 2017 – the eve of the Wales v England RBS 6 Nations match.
British & Irish Lions Chief Operating Officer Charlie McEwen said: "Velindre Cancer Centre has a big impact on people’s lives, both in treatment and the care they provide for patients and their families. The Lions family want to support them in their efforts and we hope the funds raised from this dinner will make a difference."
Head of Fundraising at Velindre Andrew Morris said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be working with such a prestigious and well respected organisation. Warren Gatland has been a long time supporter of Velindre and the Leading the Lions Dinner promises to be a huge success, and will further our aim of providing exceptional care, support and treatment to cancer patients and their families in Wales."
The Leading the Lions evening will celebrate Lions Tours of the past and look ahead to what is arguably the biggest Lions Tour ever next June.
Great names from Lions history will come together with 2017 Head Coach Warren Gatland and Tour Manager and 1971 Lion John Spencer.
McEwen added: “Bringing together past Lions’ coaches, captains and legends at these official events present not only a unique opportunity to hear from true Lions greats but to raise much needed funds for these four charities.”
In addition to Velindre Cancer Centre/Canolfan Ganser Felindre, Temple Street Children's University Hospital (Ireland), Great Ormond Street Hospital (England), The Cure Parkinson’s Trust (Scotland), Velindre Cancer Centre/Canolfan Ganser Felindre (Wales) will also benefit from a dinner in their respective countries.
Leading The Lions Dinners:
- February 10, 2017 – City Hall, Cardiff
- March 3, 2017 – Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
- April 27, 2017 – Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh
- May 11, 2017 – Battersea Evolution, London (black tie)
All events include a wine reception, three-course meal, legendary Lions speakers and an auction in aid of the designated charity and the Lions Charitable Trust.
For more information and to book places at the Leading The Lions Dinner Series go to www.lionsrugby.com/tours/leading-the-lions or call 0344 788 4068.
