Sporting star Rob Andrew is special guest speaker at Best of British event in Eastbourne

The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne welcomed 200 guests to the Best of British sporting lunch on Friday 13 September.

Raising funds for Rockinghorse children’s charity, the event played host to special guest speaker, Rob Andrew MBE.

Supported by headline sponsor, Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP, plus co-sponsor, FirmBalls, and media sponsor, Platinum Publishing Group, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch before hearing from Mr Andrew.

Now Chief Executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, Rob Andrew began his sporting career playing rugby. He rose to fame as one of England’s Rugby Union stars back in the 1980’s and continued in his role as fly-half at various clubs, until 1999.

Since then, Rob has enjoyed a brief career in first-class cricket and in January 2017, was appointed Chief Executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, who are based in Hove.

With a varied sporting career to reflect on, Rob recalled tales from both his rugby and cricket era’s, and discussed his move into management, enjoying his time in charge of the Sussex Sharks.

The Best of British sporting lunch raised £13,300 for Rockinghorse. Funds were raised through a raffle and auction held during the afternoon.

Best known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, Rockinghorse also supports children’s wards at local hospitals across Sussex, as well as neonatal units, paediatric services and respite centres in the county.

From funds raised at the Best of British sporting lunch, Rockinghorse has pledged to support Hazel Court School in Eastbourne. Hazel Court is a special school for children and young people aged 11-19 years old who have severe disabilities and complex needs.

The school is currently fundraising for a brand new state-of-the-art sensory room to further improve the facilities for its students. Rockinghorse is delighted to be able to support the project thanks to funds raised at Best of British Eastbourne.

Ryan Heal is Chief Executive of Rockinghorse and organiser of the Best of British events. He says, “Supporting Hazel Court means that we are able to bring the school a step closer to making their sensory room dreams a reality.

“Therapy support staff will be able to use the brand-new sensory room for assessment development and to implement therapeutic programmes, helping to improve physical and sensory processing.

“We are so proud to be able make a direct impact on the staff and students at the school and my sincere thanks goes to everyone who so very generously donated to the project during the afternoon.”

The Best of British sporting lunch will return to the Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel on Friday 8 November with special guest, cricket legend, David Gower OBE. Tables of 10 are available now for £750. To book, email info@bestofbritish.org.uk.

To find out more about Rockinghorse and the work they do to support babies, children and young people in Sussex, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.