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6 April 2023 | Charities, Community, & CSR | Firm News | Article by Alun Jones

Hugh James’ Rugby Lunch 2023 raises record funds for Welsh charities

Hugh James has hailed this year’s ‘Rugby Lunch’ fundraiser as the greatest one to date, raising a record £27,600 for charity partners Tŷ Hafan and Velindre Cancer Centre with the support of more than 200 guests at Cardiff’s Park Gate Hotel.

The flagship event in Hugh James’ fundraising calendar was set up by Wales’ leading law firm in support of their headline charities ten years ago. Following a three-year enforced hiatus, the fundraiser returned in style – with a star-studded line up of rugby guests and more support than ever before for the two Welsh charities.

Among the special guests were Cardiff Rugby, Wales and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi and former Wales Women’s Captain Siwan Lillicrap who discussed Wales’ impressive start in the Women’s Six Nations and record Welsh crowds at Cardiff Arms Park for the occasion.

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions winger Shane Williams and former Irish rugby union full-back Geordan Murphy also took the stage for a Q&A looking ahead to 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and following Ireland’s 2023 Guinness Six Nations Championship grand slam.

As with previous Hugh James Rugby Lunches, three-time Grand-Slam winner and former Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones was back to host the event. He led clients, friends and employees through proceedings, including a silent auction featuring a signed British and Irish Lions jersey and a kicking session with Wales and British and Irish lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny among the money-can’t-buy prizes.

Professor Tom Crosby OBE at Velindre Cancer Centre and Lynne Phelps, Play and Therapies Lead from Tŷ Hafan also joined Ryan on stage to address the guests, extending a special thank you for the vital support for the specialist cancer centre and children’s hospice respectively.

Managing Partner at Hugh James Alun Jones said:

“Our Rugby Lunch is the greatest fundraising event in our calendar, and this year’s is our best yet, raising a record amount for our charity partners Tŷ Hafan and Velindre Cancer Centre. This is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our clients and communities and we are incredibly grateful to have such wonderful support. Their contributions will have a direct and lasting impact on the care of those in need.

“As Wales’ largest Top 100 law firm, Hugh James has a proud heritage of supporting charities and causes that matter most to our clients, our employees, and our communities. In Wales, where we began more than 60 years ago, charitable giving has been part of our DNA since the very beginning, and so our partnerships with Velindre and Tŷ Hafan are long-standing and close to our hearts.”

Lynne Phelps from Tŷ Hafan commented:

“Tŷ Hafan is a leading and much-loved charity that provides life-changing care and support to children with life shortening conditions and their families who live in Wales. These events raise awareness for the work we do across Wales. Hugh James has been a huge supporter for many years, and we couldn’t do what we do without this support.”

Among those delighted to be back for the live event was Ryan Jones. Speaking at the Park Gate Hotel, Ryan added: “People are super excited to get back together and use the medium of rugby to raise a great amount of money for charity.”

Thank you to everyone who supported this event.

Author bio

Alun Jones

Managing Partner

Alun Jones is Managing Partner of Hugh James, taking the helm in January 2011. He is also chair of the firm’s board of management.

In his role as Managing Partner, Alun is responsible for formulating and implementing the firm’s business strategy and day-to-day operations.

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