After his fantastic fundraising and awareness raising efforts for CRY at the Bath Half Marathon 2006, CRY Patron Simon Halliday was once again at the forefront of two big CRY fundraising events in March 2007.
The first of the two events was a glittering Sportsman’s Dinner at the Marriott Hotel in London, on Wednesday March 21st.
The dinner was organised by one of Simon’s former Bath rugby team-mates – David Trick.
Guest Speaker at the event was former England Rugby Coach Sir Clive Woodward (right), who guided the England rugby team to World Cup glory in 2003.
The event was attended by 500 guests, who enjoyed a delicious 4 course meal.
The evening featured 2 auctions – one ‘traditional’ and one ‘silent’.
Auction items included various pieces of rugby memorabilia, such as a 1974 Lions Tour shirt signed by all the players, and various prints, cartoons and photos of the 2003 World Cup winning England squad.
10 lucky guests also successfully bid to have their picture taken with Sir Clive, whilst wearing Jason Leonard’s 2003 World Cup winner’s medal.
A number of paintings and other pieces of sports paraphernalia were also auctioned, with many items being sold for four-figure sums!
CRY Chief Executive Alison Cox also spoke at the event about CRY’s work, taking inspiration from Sir Clive’s earlier presentation about achieving success.
Alison also presented Simon Halliday with a watercolour painting of Bath (below left), by CRY supporter John Bennett. This was to thank Simon for all his hard work and support for CRY.
* * *
On Sunday 25th March, Simon Halliday took part in the 2007 Bath Half Marathon with friends, family and colleagues, including his wife Suzanne, daughter Sophie, David Trick (former England and Bath Rugby player), Mike Davies, Charles Ryan, Lenka Pyskova, Bethan Mills, Helen Fenwick, Caroline Rowland, as well as other runners’ family and friends.
The runners had plenty of support on the day, including Ulton and Elizabeth Ryan, Barbara Ryan, and Emma Jane Davies.
Edward Walker – Sebastian English’s Tutor at Lord Wandsworth College – and his family, went along to support Edward’s friends Mike Harvey and Nigel Munn who were also running for CRY.
Helphire staff also took part, and we would like to thank them for allowing CRY to have a stand at the Bath Rugby Clubhouse to raise awareness. Special thanks to Charlotte Dicks for her help and advice regarding parking, and the Bath Rugby Club catering and bar staff for helping carry CRY items back to the car!
CRY would also like to thank Simon and all the runners, and also volunteer Jenna Hughes, who very kindly gave up her Sunday to help man the CRY stand.
Simon was hoping to finish in under two hours, but at the half way point his calf muscles seized up. Even so, he finished in a very respectable 2 hours and 9 minutes, beating last year’s personal best.
You can still sponsor Simon Halliday for the Bath Half Marathon 2007 – click here!
