Former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio has joined forces with Cancer Research UK to launch the first ever 8Rocks party, in honour of his mother Eileen who died of cancer in December 2008.
The invitation only event, sponsored by Blenheim Capital, takes place on 6th November 2009 at Battersea Evolution, London, and will be attended by a who’s who of celebrities, with Lawrence’s friends from the world of sport, screen and entertainment including Patrick Kielty, Jodie Kidd and James Cracknell, turning out in force to help raise vital funds to beat cancer.
The exclusive event marks the start of Lawrence’s partnership with Cancer Research UK, following the recent launch of the Dallaglio Foundation, which aims to make a real difference to people’s lives by supporting a wide range of good causes in the UK.
8Rocks has been inspired by the 18 years Lawrence spent as a flanker at London Wasps in the no. 8 shirt. The event’s striking black and gold theme sets the scene for a glamorous evening, with guests being treated to a fantastic night of surprise entertainment from some of the country’s top performers including circus acts, singers and one headline act.
Jonny Gould will host an exclusive auction, offering guests the chance to bid for a range of desirable items and unique experiences, including training with the England Rugby team, a jet fighter experience and a specially created 8Rocks diamond pendant by London jeweller David Morris.
There will also be an unusual twist on the traditional raffle with O2 sponsored, special 8Rocks iPhones replacing tickets and Lawrence picking the winner by calling a telephone number at random. Not only will guests receive a new generation iPhone, but the lucky recipient of Lawrence’s call wins a fantastic top-of-the-range Mini Cooper S, branded with the 8Rocks logo.
Behind all the glitz and glamour, the Dallaglio Foundation has a serious goal to get people working together to make a difference. The inaugural 8Rocks event hopes to raise £500,000 to help fund Cancer Research UK’s new clinical Fellowship programme.
Lawrence Dallaglio said: “After retiring from the game I was really keen to do something that would have a real and tangible impact on people’s lives. Losing my beloved mother to cancer last year spurred me on even more and inspired me to launch the Dallaglio Foundation.
I’m a big believer that you can make great things happen by working together – that’s what the Foundation’s all about, and that’s why I’m so delighted to be working with Cancer Research UK. I’m really excited to be kicking off our work together with 8Rocks, and it’s going to be a great night and the start of a great partnership.”
For more on the Dallaglio Foundation, visit www.dallagliofoundation.com. For further information about Cancer Research UK and its work, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.
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For further press information, please contact Kim Ireland in the Cancer Research UK press office. Tel: 020 7061 8320. Email: [email protected]
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About Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.
The charity’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last thirty years.
Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses.
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
