Former England and Wigan Warriors star Jason Robinson OBE, and Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark MBE, former England and Saracens star, were honoured at the 27 th Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby Dinner at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel.
The evening was attended by male and female rugby stars including members of England Men’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning squad, and England Women’s 2014 Rugby World Cup winning squad such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Andrew Gomarsall, Mark Regan, and Danielle Waterman. Other guests in attendance included Harvey Armstrong, Jamie Baulch, Kevin Flag, Karl Flag, Sharon Gaffka, Joe Garrett, Hugo Hammond, James Lock, Martin Offiah and Tristan Phipps.
This year’s dinner was hosted by actor and former rugby union player Martin Bayfield, and featured music performances from Leo the Lion, Kadialy Kouyate, Roachford and Sody. The event was presented by former rugby star Victor Ubogu’s VU Limited to raise funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
Speaking at last night’s dinner Jason Robinson OBE said: “I’m thrilled to be honoured at this year’s Nordoff Robbins Rugby Dinner, and even more so knowing that the money raised this evening will go towards such an important charity. Unfortunately, due to the recent restrictions I was unable to visit Nordoff Robbins, but I have full admiration for the work they do, and the positive impact the music therapy they provide has on the thousands of kids and families they work with. I am very much looking forward to visiting the centre soon to see their incredible work in action.”
Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark MBE added: “It has been such a wonderful evening raising money for such a brilliant charity, which has made it even more of a privilege to be honoured here this evening in front of so many rugby legends! I have heard incredible things about the work Nordoff Robbins do, their wonderful facilities and the music therapy they provide that helps so many kids and families. Music is such a powerful thing for all of us, but what Nordoff Robbins do by using it as a vital tool to improve so many lives - not just for kids but their families too - is remarkable!”
Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by life-limiting illnesses, isolation or disability. They reach thousands of vulnerable people through their bases across the UK, and by working in partnership with organisations including care homes, schools and hospitals. Its expert music therapists can help people with dementia to reconnect with family members, help a child with autism to speak for the first time and give those struggling with their mental health – moments of peace and joy. That’s the power of music therapy.
The money raised at the Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby Dinner auction this evening will contribute to the £1.6 million raised to date for Nordoff Robbins since the event launched in 1995.
