Papped

RUGBY STARS light up RUBY BALL

Proudly celebrating a huge milestone, our charity marked its 40th birthday at The Ruby Rugby Ball Ball held in London’s prestigious Landmark Hotel. Over £31 million has been distributed to more than 1,465 projects, supporting 1.5 million children and young people across the UK and Ireland during the four decades. And yet, there is more to be done.

A staggering four million children in the UK currently live in poverty, while 9% have a disability and one in six live with mental health challenges.*

With over 350 guests, and rugby legends from the past and present, the evening raised an astonishing £70,000 for our lifechanging projects so all children and young people have access to the best life opportunities.

Far left, top to bottom: Sarah Bern and Sarah Webb; Alex Goode and Chris Ashton; Gill Burns MBE

Right, top to bottom: David Flatman; Maddie from the Boathouse Youth, whose speech received a standing ovation; Kylie Grimes MBE

Hosted by ex-England international David Flatman, and joined by Chris Ashton, the all-time leading try scorer in Premiership Rugby, England internationals Alex Goode and Sarah Bern, as well as former Red Rose, Gill Burns MBE. The panel discussed their professional careers and their love of the game and its positive influence on society.

Former England legend Dewi Morris, Paralympic wheelchair champions Stuart Robinson MBE and Kylie Grimes MBE, and English Premiership star, Luke Northmore, also mingled with guests at the gala fundraiser. Wooden Spoon would like to thank everyone for their continuing support and for making The Ruby Rugby Ball an event to be remembered.