Category Archives: Philanthropy & Society

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction Goes Live as Bidding Kicks off for Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences

Posted on by

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction is officially underway in a bid to raise £1million for cancer services.

 

The latest item racked up 20 bids within hours of going online while others attracted thousands of pounds worth of offers as bidders go head to head to win money-can’t-buy experiences; one prize currently sits on an offer of over £7,000 with two weeks of bidding left to go.

 

Manchester United is the latest to join an impressive list of sporting stars, celebrities and leading businesses who have donated to the auction including Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Graeme Swann, Kieron Dyer, Bill Nighy, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

 

Latest items include an award winning catamaran all inclusive trip around the British Virgin Islands, lunch with British actor Bill Nighy, VIP tickets to Britain’s Got talent, a VIP Bayern Munich Experience with Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, a table in the Blue Riband on Ladies Day at Ascot and a one-off experience to accompany Kieron Dyer as his personal guest to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona.

 

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, comments, “The online auction is a fantastic way to help us continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for cancer charities. We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from FIFA. I urge people, clubs and companies to consider donating, however big or small, and bidding to help us reach our £1million target.”

 

Gina Long, the auction founder, said “It is so exciting to launch the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction with this incredible item from FIFA. I encourage everyone to head to the website and register to bid as an item like this is bound to be a favourite with football fans! Not into football? Check out our other auction items, there is literally something for everyone!”

 

Running from 10 – 27 October, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough will raise crucial funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and cancer services within two Suffolk Hospitals.

 

Proudly backed by headline supporter BT Sport, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough auction items for 2013 include tickets to the JLS goodbye concert, lunch with Bill Nighy, flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as Kieron Dyer’s special guest, a VIP trip to next year’s F1 in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet, incredible sporting art from Ben Mosley, a week sailing on a luxury catamaran ‘Akasha’, a one-on-one personal bowling tuition with England cricketer Graeme Swann at Lords, Paul Gascoigne’s England shirt from a pre-Italia ‘90 training game, the opportunity to have a team play a six-a-side tournament at St. George’s Park in 2014 and a week-long stay at The Brewers House in Southwold donated by Adnams.

 

The auction is now live– to bid go to www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.comand click the ‘Regsiter to Bid’ button.

*Visit www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com for full terms and conditions. Accommodation and flights not included.

 

A taster of some of the TOP Sports Auction Items so far!

 

1.       FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich

This is a very rare opportunity to attend the glamorous ceremony which acknowledges those at the top of their game. Two lucky guests will attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich 2014 and be a part of football history. Who will be named best manager? Will Barcelona’s Lionel Messi claim best player for an unprecedented fifth year?!

2.       FC Barcelona home match

A once in a lifetime opportunity for two people to attend training at FC Barcelona, arguably one of the greatest teams ever, featuring Lionel Messi, already an all-time great player and the best footballer at work in the world now.

 

3.       Real Madrid vs. Barcelona with Kieron Dyer

One lucky football fan will win flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as former England midfielder, Kieron Dyer’s special guest.

4.       Manchester United VIP Experience

 

An amazing chance to to attend a Manchester United game at Old Trafford during the 2013-2014 regular season, as well as watching the team train at the Aon Training Complex and a private tour of the facility. Any Man U fan’s dream!

 

5.       Walk in Mourinho’s shoes

A chance to own Chelsea Managers, Jose Mourinho’s signed, personalised and worn football boots. Includes photo of authenticity. Donated by Jose Mourinho

6.       A day at Derby County Football Club in the Toyota Suite

The day will include car parking, tour of the stadium, pre-match meal in the Toyota Suite and match tickets to view the game in the Directors Box for 2 people

 

7.       Table for 4 on our VIP package in the Champions Gallery on 1,000 Guineas day

 

8.       Essex County Cricket Club

Two lucky cricket teams will go head to head at the Essex County Cricket Ground. Pull together your friends, family or colleagues, don your whites and enjoy a friendly innings* on these professional grounds. Donated by Derek Bowden of Essex County Cricket

*Dates to be agreed by Essex County Cricket Grounds

9.       Gazza’s shirt

One lucky bidder will walk away with Paul Gascoigne’s pre-World Cup Italia ‘90s training game shirt. After a game against Tunisia, England hotshot, Gazza dug out his England 19 shirt from the bottom of his kit bag and gave it to Giacomo Malvermi, Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 translator. Donated by Giacomo Malvermi

 

10.   Drive an Audi R8 Supercar for a day

Fancy cruising in a fabulous Audi R8?  Our friends at Ipswich Audi are offering the winning bidder the opportunity to spend a day driving this incredible car

11.   Spin bowl with Swanny

Join England professional cricketer Graeme Swann for a one-on-one personal bowling session at Lords Cricket Ground. Donated by Graeme Swann

12.   Shinji Kagawa Signed Football Boots

This is a your chance to own a pair of very special signed football boots by Shinji Kagawa and he’s personally presenting them to the winning bidder and a guest and a photo will capture the moment at Manchester United Carrington Road Training Ground. Dates to be agreed by Shinji Kagawa.

 

13.   A VIP F1 experience

A VIP trip to next year’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet. Donated by CMX Event and Aeris Aviation

14.   Drive the incredible McLaren MP4-12C at a world famous race circuit.

A unique chance to drive the incredible McLaren 12C at a famous UK or European race circuit – an amazing experience not normally available to the public. McLaren are inviting one lucky winner to come along, with their guest, to learn from professional drivers and experience the thrill of driving the 200MPH McLaren MP4-12C.

 

Talk tactics with AVB

The opportunity for two people to visit the Tottenham Hotspur’s new training centre, to watch training and then have lunch with Andre Villas-Boas. Donated by Andre Villas-Boas

15.   VIPEngland Experience

A fantastic opportunity for two people to attend an England Senior Men’s football team training session ahead of an England home international fixture in 2014. You will also be presented with an England 2014 football shirt signed by members of the Senior England Men’s squad with full hospitality at The FA Club and FA club tickets. Donated by The Football Association

 

16.   MotoGP™ VIP tickets

This incredible package includes a pair of VIP tickets for the MotoGP™ in Valencia, Spain (8-10 November, 2013), return flights and transfers, half board accommodation, access to the race circuit viewing area, a meet and greet with the Monster Yamaha TECH3 riders and a garage and paddock tour. Donated by Stanley Black & Decker

17.   VIP tickets to World Snooker Final

Two VIP tickets to attend both sessions of the Final of the 2014 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield on Monday, 5 May 2014 which includes prime seats for thearena, a back stage tour and a VIP invitation to attend the post Final Champions Reception (tickets are not available to the public).

 

18.   Ultimate NCFC experience

You and a guest have a chance to enjoy a tailor-made VIP home match experience. This prize includes a stadium tour, delicious meal in the Directors Lounge, plus tailor made extras – for example, if you would like to bring a child with you Norwich City FC will look at potentially making them mascot for the day. Donated by Norwich City FC.

19.   Equestrian Training with Mary King

A fantastic full day experience for two people, with one of Britain’s most prolific gold medallist equestrians , with a profile spanning over 30 years, including 2 World Championship Gold medals, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals. Mary and team GB won Silver at London 2012 in a beautiful performance.

 

Sasha Wilkins (LLG) to host uniquely stylish afternoon tea party

Posted on by

Liberty London GirlLRNatural, fair and delicious Clipper Teas has launched a series of very special afternoon tea parties hosted by celebrity florist Nikki Tibbles, English gardener Rachel de Thame, and style blogger Liberty London Girl (A.K.A Sasha Wilkins) in aid of national charity, Contact the Elderly.

The three ladies – known for their mix of stunning interiors, blossoming gardens, and enviable style credentials – will each personally host a unique afternoon tea party this Winter. Ticket-holders will be invited to devour luxurious treats and sample a range of Clipper teas in stunning surroundings, including Nikki’s very own period home, Rachel’s botanical haven, and LLG’s Regent’s Canal barge.

A limited number of tickets, priced at £25 each, will go on sale in October. 100% of the proceeds will go to Contact the Elderly, a worthwhile cause dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people through organising monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties.

Sasha Wilkins said: “Elderly people are all too easily forgotten about in the UK today and isolation is a problem in every community. The work that Contact the Elderly and its volunteers do is incredibly admirable, and I’m hoping to raise a lot of money and awareness for the cause by throwing the afternoon tea party of the century for my guests!”

All three tea parties will take place during November and January and further details can be found at www.clipper-teas.com/afternoon-tea-parties/

‘Duchess Kate’ Holds a Great Pink Bake Off

Posted on by

Leading charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer has launched the first ever Great Pink Bake Off for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  They are recruiting an army of bakers to fire up their ovens, hit the kitchen and give breast cancer a good beating this October.

 

Even ‘Kate’ is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, raising vital funds and awareness for Breakthrough’s life-saving research. On Friday 18th October simply gather your friends, family and colleagues to bring their baked goodies and ask everyone who attends to make a donation. If 18th October doesn’t work for you then you can hold a Bake Off anytime, anywhere, during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a piece of cake! www.pinkbakeoff.org

Kate’s got another bun in the oven

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate has a bun in the oven Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity Duchess of Cambridge, Kate baking for breast cancer charity

 

Sian Fraser, Head Baker for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Great Pink Bake Off, says: “We hope everyone gets involved with this year’s Great Pink Bake Off. Not only will you have a delicious time, you’ll also be raising vital money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s life-saving work”

 

“The need for Breakthrough’s research has never been greater; breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting 50,000 women every year and killing 1,000 every month. So we are urging everyone to raise some dough and help us beat breast cancer.”

 

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading breast cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through improving early diagnosis, developing new treatments and preventing all types of the disease.

 

Sign up today to receive your very own Great Pink Bake Off fundraising kit – it’s jam-packed with tips, tools and tasty recipes. Visit pinkbakeoff.org or call Breakthrough’s Bake Off team on 08080 100 200.

 

Celebrities Take It All Off For BBC Children In Need

Posted on by

Along with a host of internationally renowned celebrities, BBC Children in Need has launched this year’s BearFaced Day. Together, they are asking women across the UK to join them in going BearFaced for BBC Children in Need on Friday 8th November, the campaign simply asks for women to spend a day without makeup and pop on a Post Office Pawprint instead.
The stellar line-up includes TV favourites Laura Whitmore, Arlene Philips and Alex Jones, outstanding actress Sheridan Smith, sensational singer Kimberley Walsh, model and actress Suki Waterhouse and talented artist Jo Wood. All have gone BearFaced in a make-up free photo-shoot by world renowned photographer, Rankin, to encourage women across the UK to unite to do the same.

AlexJones- STRICTLY EMBARGOED TILL TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER ArlenePhillips-STRICTLY EMBARGOED TILL TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER Jo Wood-STRICTLY EMBARGOED TILL TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER Kimberley Walsh LauraWhitmore SheridanSmith- STRICTLY EMBARGOED TILL TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER SukiWaterhouse

 

Laura Whitmore said: “Join me and hundreds of other women, who are going BearFaced, let’s raise lots of money for children all over the UK, who need your help.”

Kimberley Walsh said: “BBC Children in Need’s BearFaced Day campaign is such a brilliant way to raise money; will you be joining me this Friday 8th November?”

 

Sheridan Smith said: “Pop a Pudsey Pawprint on instead of your makeup this Friday 8th November to help make a difference to young lives across the UK; every penny raised really will help!”

 

Alex Jones said: “There are so many children and young people across the UK who need our help, so how could I say no to the BBC Children in Need BearFaced campaign? Join me and hundreds of other women going Bearfaced November 8th.”

 

Arlene Philips said: “Come on ladies, join me in going BearFaced on Friday 8th November to help raise lots of money for BBC Children in Need.”

 

Jo Wood said: “I’m so excited to be taking part in BBC Children in Need’s BearFaced campaign this year! I hope that women across the UK will leave the make up at home for the day to help change the lives of children who really do need our help!”

 

Going BearFaced is a simple way to raise money for BBC Children in Need. Women can either participate alone or set up a Bearfaced team with friends, family and colleagues to make the day more fun.

 

The Pawprints as seen on the BearFaced lineup are available now at Post Offices across the UK.  Women are encouraged to swap their makeup for a Post Office Pawprint to help make a difference to young lives.

 

Find out more at bbc.co.uk/pudsey and prepare a sponsorship page at mydonate.bt.com/events/gobearfaced.

 

Will you be going Barefaced?

Jeans For Genes Celebrity Launch Party

Posted on by

JEANS FOR GENES DAY CELEBRATE THEIR 2013 SUCCESS AT HUGE PRESS AND CELEBRITY LAUNCH IN LONDON
Danny Jones, Matt Evers, Antony Costa, Lauren Goodger and Danielle Peazer to name a few. With Amber Le Bon
www.jeansforgenesday.org / @jeansforgenes
Renowned UK fundraising appeal, Jeans for Genes Day are celebrating their 2013 success
with a huge celebrity and press event at The Jewel Bar, London on Tuesday 3rd September 2013.
2013 has been one of the best years yet for Jeans for Genes Day unveiling their new
celebrity campaign supporters which include Melanie C, Michelle Keegan, Louise
Thompson, Lauren Goodger, Amy Childs, Tallia Storm, and Sophia Sassoon to name a
few.
Jeans for Genes Day raises money for Genetic Disorders UK and aims to change the world
for children with genetic disorders. Genetic disorders affect 1 in 25 children born in the
UK – that’s more than 30,000 babies each year. Their associated health problems mean
that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under.
Taking place this year on Friday 20th September 2013, Jeans for Genes Day is the well-
known annual fundraising event which simply asks the British public, children and adults
alike to wear their jeans for the day and make a £1 / £2 donation. Jeans for Genes Day
funds the care and support of children with genetic disorders through its grant
programme. In 2013, 21 charities will benefit from the funds raised on Jeans for Genes
Day.
Jeans for Genes Day have been lucky enough to be supported by some of the UK’s most
famous celebrity faces over the years including Robbie Williams, Amanda Holden, Kelly
Osbourne, Katie Price, Coleen Rooney, Stacey Solomon and Christine Bleakley to name just
a few!
This year’s Jeans for Genes Day campaign t-shirt and limited fashion edition t-shirt are
available to purchase NOW from www.jeansforgenesday.org

Fancy lunch with Bill Nighy?

Posted on by

MEET BILL NIGHY AND SUPPORT THE SIR BOBBY’S BREAKTHROUGH ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION

One lucky bidder will enjoy a one-to-one lunch with the critically acclaimed actor

 meet bill nighy, bill nighy,

From one English gentleman to another… Critically acclaimed actor Bill Nighy has announced his support for the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction.

 

The latest money-can’t-buy auction item will see one lucky bidder win a lunch with one of Britain’s greatest actors, Bill Nighy. The winner will be treated to lunch at a central London restaurant with Bill and given the opportunity to chat one-to-one about some of his much loved roles including Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Boat that Rocked.

 

Along with this incredible prize, the auction also includes a luxury world cruise, a celebrity golf day, lunch with Tottenham Hotspur Manager Andre-Villas Boas and VIP tickets to the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet.

 

The online charity auction is aiming to raise £1million in crucial funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and two Suffolk Hospitals.

 

Bill Nighy joins a growing list of sporting stars and supporters donating to the auction – including Piers Morgan and David Walliams, who has generously donated a signed set of his children’s books.

 

BT Sport is the headline supporter for the auction which takes place from 10 – 27 October 2013.

Exciting auction items are announced every day.  Head to www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com to register.

 

Here are our chosen auction prizes for this week*

 

1.       Lunch with Bill Nighy

One lucky bidder win a lunch with one of Britain’s greatest actors, Bill Nighy at a central London restaurant. Donated by Bill Nighy

2.       Piers Morgan Life Stories

This unique experience allows two people VIP tickets to an ITV Piers Morgan’s Life Stories recording in London with incredible Green Room Access. Donated by Piers Morgan

3.       Gazza’s shirt

One lucky bidder will walk away with Paul Gascoigne’s pre-World Cup Italia ‘90s training game shirt. After a game against Tunisia, England hotshot, Gazza dug out his England 19 shirt from the bottom of his kit bag and gave it to Giacomo Malvermi, Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 translator. Donated by Giacomo Malvermi

4.       David Walliams’ Children’s Books

British comedian, actor, author and national treasure, David Walliams has donated a signed set of his own children’s books.

5.       Play on St. George’s Park

This auction item will see one lucky company enjoy a League Managers Association (LMA) Corporate Football Tournament with a minimum of three 6-a-side games played on the very same pitch used by the England senior team, St. George’s Park. This once-in-a-lifetime package including a full playing kit for all members of the squad, management by a LMA member, FA qualified coaches facilitating the match, pre- and post-match food and drink and a prize giving and Q&A session with LMA Ambassadors. Donated by The LMA

6.       Hintlesham Golf Course

Enjoy a fabulous day’s golf followed by an overnight stay in one of Hintlesham Hall’s superior rooms for four people. This package also includes a delicious three-course Table D’Hôte dinner and full English breakfast as well as round of golf or a relaxing spa treatment per person. Donated by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

7.       Adnams Copper House Distillery

Enjoy a day experience at the Adnams Copper House Distillery in Southwold.  Makers of the world’s best gin made in Southwold as judged by the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2013. Donated by Adnams, Southwold

Gina Long, Founder, comments: “Sir Bobby was the ultimate gentleman and it’s so touching to see another of our country’s leading men, Bill Nighy, show his respect and admiration for Sir Bobby by donating to our incredible auction. I am overwhelmed by Bill Nighy’s donation and I know I’ll certainly be bidding for this lunch! We encourage everyone to register for the online auction now as to not miss out on this amazing auction item.”

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son and part of the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough concludes: “Sadly, cancer is likely to affect every one of us in one way or another and my family knows first hand the pain it can cause. The online auction is a fantastic way to help us to continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for these charities. At this stage we have 200 auction prizes and we need at least another 200 to reach our £1million goal. We urge people to donate, no auction prize is too big or too small!”

* Visit the website at www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com for detailed information on what each prize includes and the terms and conditions.

Le Gala Des Dames

Posted on by

Le GALA des DAMES is a red carpet gala event hosted with the support of the French Embassy in UK on Sunday August 25th 2013, 8:00pm – 6:00am in CRIMSCOTT HALL, 18-19 CRIMSCOTT STREET, LONDON, SE1 5TE. Profits generated on the night will go in support of the JACKSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, a non-profit organisation (chaired by Joseph Jackson) that, besides caring for the legacy of the Jackson family, also supports charitable cultural, social and educational projects. Funds raised at Le GALA des DAMES will be devoted to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa. Another charity, also been announced to be benefiting from the event, is the Guinean Fraternity UK.
PAUL ERICK TRESOR (PE Promotions)
The gala, at its second edition, is organised by Paul Erick TRESOR and Sandrine POCH founders of PE Promotions.  The event was originally born with the intent of commemorating African ladies, to create a platform of unity, appreciation and exposure for their efforts. This year Le GALA des DAMES has been attracting so many attentions, from high profile personalities, celebrities, press and even nominees from non-African cultures, that the organisers are intending to expand the event more and more in support to all women no matter their origins. Performing on the night will be, ambassador of the

Le GALA Des DAMES. WES MADIKO(1)

JACKSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, WES MADIKO known among Western audiences for “In Youpendi” a song from The Lion King II Soundtrack. Zouglu Royalo, Chantal Ayssi, Vanessa Kompressor, Ashley Abigo, Astride Costa will be the other musicians performing on the night. During the gala night, out of all the ladies being put forward as nominees, eight will be awarded. Nomination categories include: “Best Business Woman of the Year”, “Young Achievers”, “Inspirational | Role Model”, “Best Media Person”, “Outstanding Mother”, “Best Women Organisation”, “Queen of Le Gala des Dames”. PAULINE LONG, founder of the BEFFTA Awards, is one of the most high profile ladies being nominated “Best Business Woman of the Year|”.

Le GALA Des DAMES e-flyer

Confirmed in attendance, in support of the event cause, popular Fashion model and jackof-all-trades, DANISH WAKEEL; celebrity burlesque performer, CHRYS COLUMBINE; upcoming Fashion designer, Maria Thukas (INONECTIMA), celebrity personal stylist NATALIE ROBINSON, singer JORDANA MBA, PATRICIA INDER; expected in attendance, other profile people like Normki Anderson, Miss Arab World and many more! During the night expect the unexpected… there will be an Hollywood theme similar to the Oscars night with red carpet photo shoot; roses to each lady, three course dinner with champagne, music, dance, press, TVs and even surprise goodie bags sponsored by award winning Beauty Salon, CUCUMBA, DERMALOGICA, STYLE ICON, MARY KAY and MYA MINERAL MAKEUP.

Dress code: evening gown |glamorous for ladies, tuxedo | dinner jacket for men.

Made in Chelsea’s Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson attend charity surfing event in Cornwall

Posted on by

Surfing world stunned by Surf Challenge for Autism 2013

Fistral Beach in Newquay was brought to a standstill this weekend as a group of autistic surfers took to the water in the Wave Project’s Surf Challenge for autism 2013.

Photograph-by-Andy-Casey---Andy-and-Louise-getting-ready-to-surf

Top-level surfers including former UK champion Russell Winter and 2012 English national champion Hannah Harding were left speechless as they watched as 32 autistic competitors dazzle on the clean 3ft waves.

 

They were joined by around 1500 spectators who gathered in glorious sunshine at Britain’s most famous surfing beach to watch the display.

 

Pro surfer Hannah Harding commented: “People watching just couldn’t believe that these competitors had a disability. They were surfing to such a high standard, it was really great to watch!”

 

The event was funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Around 70 people helped support the event, including celebrity couple Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson, from E4 show Made In Chelsea, and 16 serving Royal Navy officers and junior ratings from RNAS Culdrose.

 

The judges, the contest director and all the paid competition staff waived their fees, while Fistral Surf Hire Company gave out wetsuits free of charge. The event was also supported by Newquay Surf Lifesaving Club, which offered free use of its club house and surf boards.

 

Contest organiser Joe Taylor said: “It was just amazing that so many people came to help support this event to ensure that these young people with autism had their chance to shine. It was wonderful to see so much goodwill from local people, organisations and businesses.”

 

The contest was a truly international event, with competitors coming from Wales and even the Netherlands to take part alongside surfers from the UK. The overall winner of the contest was 13-year old Thomas Koppelaars, from Zaltbommel, in the Netherlands.

 

Speaking on his behalf, his mother Marjolijn Koppelaars said: “We’re just so delighted. This has been the best experience of his life.”

Photograph-by-Dale-Adams---Andy-with-young-boy-surfing-the-waves

Second place went to 18-year old Robert Parton, from Swansea. The other two finalists were last year’s winner Robbie Turner, 16, from St Just and Joe Scammell, 10, from Liskeard in Cornwall.

 

Wave Project director Terry Stanton said: “This event shows just how relevant surfing is to disability sport. We really want to take the Surf Challenge forward now and make it even bigger and better next year.”

 

Big Lottery Fund’s Helen Bullough said: “Events like this are so important, not only in creating opportunities for people with disabilities, but also in challenging people’s perceptions of disability and what’s possible.

 

“It is wonderful that so many spectators came out to enjoy the event and make it such a success. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.”