England rugby legend Dean Richards MBE helps to raise thousands for Rainbows

Former England and British and Irish Lions legend Dean Richards MBE entertained over 400 guests at the King Power Stadium on Thursday 13th October 2011, helping to raise more than £21,000 for Loughborough-based charity Rainbows.

The evening, hosted by Snooker star, Willie Thorne played tribute to Richards, who was regarded as one of the world’s best players in his position. With an outstanding ability to read the game and an extraordinary pace for a back-row forward, Richards is a true rugby legend. Making a remarkable 314 appearances for Leicester Tigers, some of Richards’ merits include winning the league twice and the Heineken Cup three times, captaining the club for four seasons in the early 1990s and winning the Whitbread’s Rugby World Player of the Year in 1990/1991. In an equally successful England career, Richards won 48 caps, including playing in three World Cups and playing six times for the British and Irish Lions on their 1989 and 1993 tours.

Joining Richards on the evening was special guest Jason Leonard OBE, the most capped England player of all time with 114 appearances. Also known as ‘The Fun Bus’ Leonard won some of the highest international accolades possible in his time as an England player, and is sure to delight guests with stories and insights into a long career, competing against some of rugby’s greatest players. The evening, organised by Costockbased events organiser Champions (UK) Plc saw guests sit down for a fantastic three-course meal while enjoying tales from the two rugby legends.

As well as the fine rugby talent providing entertainment, there was an incredible charity auction led by BBC One’s resident auctioneer Charlie Ross which helped to raise thousands of pounds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Based in Loughborough, Rainbows are the only hospice in the East Midlands that dedicate their time to the needs of children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and conditions. Up for auction were fantastic items including; a stunning personally signed image of HRH Diana Princess of Wales, a made to measure suit by Head and Griffiths, and a four ball at one of the best golf venues in the UK, Archerfield Links in East Lothian, Scotland.

Dean Richard’s was delighted to help Rainbows with their fundraising efforts: “The event was a real success and a great evening was had by all. I am delighted that we managed to raise such a substantial amount of money for Rainbows. It really is a fantastic charity and I wish them the best of luck for the future in everything that they do. My old England coach Jack Rowell was able to come along too which was fantastic.”