Rugby Union and Saracens star Alex Goode, and Emily Scarratt MBE, England and Loughborough Lightning star, were honoured at the 28th Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby Dinner at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel last night.
The evening was attended by a scrum of rugby stars, including members of the England Men’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning squad and the England Women’s 2014 Rugby World Cup winning squad and additional leading rugby names, such as Mike Tindall, Martin Offiah, Colin Charvis and Chris Robshaw.
Joining the stars of rugby were Love Island’s Sharon Gaffka; Made In Chelsea’s Harvey Armstrong; and entrepreneur James Middleton.
This year’s dinner was hosted by actor and former rugby union player Martin Bayfield and featured electrifying music performances from singer and actress Mica Paris; recording artist Sophie Oliver; DJ and Producer Carly Wilford; and X Factor’s Anelisa Lamola. The event was presented by former rugby star Victor Ubogu’s VU Limited to raise funds for music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins.
Speaking at the event, honouree Alex Goode said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised at this year’s Legends of Rugby Dinner for Nordoff Robbins. The charity continues to do incredible work, which is seen in the positive impact that their music therapy sessions have on the thousands of people they work with yearly, using music to help connect and communicate. I’m thrilled to see so many names from the world of rugby here today to recognise the work and raise money for this amazing cause.”
Honouree Emily Scarratt MBE added: “It’s such a privilege to be honoured tonight, especially in a time where there is such a spotlight on women’s sport, by so many legends from the wonderful world of Men’s and Women’s rugby, and for such an amazing charity. The money raised tonight will continue to fund Nordoff Robbins’ ground-breaking work and the music therapy they provide to so many people across society. Music has the power to connect us, even when words fail, and I can’t wait to see the work first-hand when I visit Nordoff Robbins’ London centre soon.”
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff Robbins, said: “Huge congratulations to Alex Goode and Emily Scarratt MBE as truly worthy recipients of this year’s Legends of Rugby awards. We’re beyond grateful to the Legends of Rugby team for hosting another spectacular event to raise vital funds for Nordoff Robbins, with all money raised going directly towards supporting some of the UK’s most isolated and vulnerable people through music therapy.”
Nordoff Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity, with a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years of practice. By harnessing the power of music, Nordoff Robbins’ trained music therapists help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society.The charity reaches thousands of vulnerable people through their bases across the UK, and by working in partnership with organisations including care homes, schools and hospitals. Its work can be transformative, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family, to a child with autism finding their voice.
The money raised at the Nordoff Robbins Legends of Rugby Dinner auction last night will contribute to the £1.6million raised to date for Nordoff Robbins since the event launched in 1995.
