L’HORIZON Hotel will play host to a premier experience on 11 March, as the Six Nations International Rugby Dinner returns to Jersey’s shores in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Although it was initially due to take place in November, the tragic announcement of Lewis Moody’s MND diagnosis caused the organisers to adjust their plans and raise funds for the association instead, moving the dinner as Moody was one of 2024’s special guest speakers.
“The dinner will be entering its 30th year,” said event organiser Jamie Sears. “It’s been a very long-running event locally and it really is an experience for all rugby lovers.
“We have a very good line-up of speakers, a raffle will be taking place and the menu on offer is fantastic, meaning there’s something for everyone. We have a great line-up of speakers in Chris Robshaw and Jeff Probyn, as it’s a good mix of experience, and both have played at very different times in the sport – Robshaw is fairly current, while Probyn played in the days when the World Cup first started, so a lot has changed.
“Many people are unfortunately passing away of MND, so it really is a deserved cause to support. There’s no cure as of yet, but the money is staying in the Island to benefit the local community.
“This dinner is a more intimate affair where you’ll really get to interact with the guest speakers, making memories that will stick with you for a very long time
“It’s going to be a great night and we’re looking forward to seeing you.”
As mentioned by Sears, the line-up of Robshaw and Probyn is an enticing offer for rugby fans. Robshaw captained England in 43 Internationals of his 66 caps, leading them to a Grand Slam in 2016, while Probyn competed in two Rugby World Cups across his 37 caps in 1988-1993.
There will be plenty of time to ask questions and interact with the guest speakers, as the event runs from a 7pm arrival all the way through to midnight, with the four-course dinner commencing at 8pm along the way.
Tickets are on sale for £120 per person, with tables of 10 on offer. All funds will be going towards Jersey’s branch of the MND Association, where people volunteer their time to support those in the Island affected by the disease wherever they can.
Don Connolly, chairman of the Jersey’s MND Association, said: “Our main ethos is to ensure those affected by the disease can stay at home for as long as possible with their loved ones, so we support them wherever we can to ensure that happens.
“This is done through offering financial support for the necessary equipment and allocating one of our association visitors to the person, who volunteer their time to hold their hand and offer support as the disease progresses.
“These people need support yesterday, not tomorrow, so it’s nice to be proactive.
“Some people don’t have anything, but we don’t want to say no to anybody. As we don’t proactively organise our own fundraising events, functions like this are absolutely vital, not just financially, but also to raise awareness of MND to a wider audience.
“All the money raised goes towards helping locals, but each year we donate a certain amount to the UK charity, to help fund their research in finding a cure for this disease.
“We’re also encountering challenges in finding new volunteers to train up and become association visitors, so if you’re interested then we’d love to speak with you.”
If you’re interested in attending this event, then please email sarah@sportlinks.pro
For any queries into the MND Association, please email jerseymnda@gmail.com and to make a donation, please visit justgiving.com/charity/motorneuronediseaseassociation
