We have raised a record £29,000 for their charity partners Tŷ Hafan and Velindre Cancer Care at their 2024 Rugby Lunch fundraiser.
Over 180 guests attended Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel to support the firm’s flagship annual fundraising event, hosted once again by three-time Grand-Slam winner and former Welsh rugby captain, Ryan Jones.
Joining this year’s lineup of special guests were Cardiff Rugby and former Wales captain Ellis Jenkins, and former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, Adam Jones, who over the course of the Q&A shared their thoughts on the upcoming Autumn Internationals, as well as reflecting on significant moments in their careers and sharing advice that they would give to their younger selves.
English rugby union and rugby sevens player Heather Fisher also took to the stage to share her views on the future of Women’s Rugby, inside stories from her time as an Olympian and England Rugby player, and how she looks forward to continuing to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through her charitable and mentoring work.
In addition to leading the Q&As in-between courses, Ryan Jones encouraged everyone present to dig deep in support of the two charities, with numerous money-can’t-buy prizes, such as Wimbledon Centre Court tickets and an opportunity to enjoy a Wagyu BBQ cooked by Strictly Come Dancing star and Celebrity MasterChef winner Wynne Evans, listed among the silent auction lots.
Set up 10 years ago, the Hugh James Rugby Lunch has supported a number of charities including Dreams and Wishes, NSPCC, Tŷ Hafan and Velindre Cancer Care. The firm has raised more than £300,000 in that time.
Managing Partner, Alun Jones, who attended the fundraising event, commented:
“Our Rugby Lunch is our biggest and most notable annual fundraising event in the firm’s calendar, dedicated again this year to tremendous work of Velindre and Tŷ Hafan. This year’s event was another record success. To have raised over £29,000 at a single event is testament to the generosity and commitment of our staff, clients and friends, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued enthusiasm to support such worthwhile causes.”
“Our work with charities on a local and national level plays a huge part in our day-to-day lives at Hugh James, and our national charity partners are chosen by our employees. With the support of our staff and wider community, I am incredibly proud that Hugh James have now raised more than £300,000 for our national charity partners. We look forward to continuing to partner with organisations that make a real difference to the communities in which we live and work.”
Kylie McKee, Head of Fundraising & Relationships at Velindre Cancer Care commented:
“We are so grateful to the team at Hugh James for their ongoing support, dedication, and commitment to raising funds for Velindre over the past 10 years.
“The funds they have raised, and continue to raise, make such a huge difference at Velindre and the services we are able to provide our patients and their families. Money raised for Velindre helps fund a wide range of projects, services and roles over and above what is available via the NHS, which ensures patients and their families are cared for and supported in the best way possible.”
Lynne Phelps, Head of Family Wellbeing and Outreach Services at Ty Hafan, said:
“Too many families in Wales are struggling through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short.
“When a child’s life is going to be a short life, Tŷ Hafan will walk alongside the family every step of the way. Tŷ Hafan is there to make sure that when every day could be their child’s last, families are supported to make memories together and live life to the fullest.
“At the moment we are only able to support one in ten families who need our help. We are so grateful to Hugh James for their ongoing support of Tŷ Hafan. Long term partnerships, like ours, make a huge difference in our ability to raise awareness of what we do and raise vital funds to help us to reach every family who needs us.”
