British & Irish Lions Partner With Temple Street Children’s Hospital

The British & Irish Lions have partnered with Temple Street Children’s University Hospital for the 2017 tour to New Zealand.

For the first time the Lions will officially support the charity which makes a difference to seriously ill children from across Ireland, including holding a fundraising dinner at the Guinness Storehouse on Friday, March 3, 2017.

British & Irish Lions Chief Operating Officer Charlie McEwen said: “Temple Street has a big impact on people’s lives, both in treatment and the care they provide for patients and their families. The Lions family want to support them in their efforts and we hope the funds raised from this dinner will make a difference.”

The Chief Executive of Temple Street Foundation, Denise Fitzgerald, commented: “We are so grateful to the British & Irish Lions for their support of our special hospital. This dinner is a unique and thrilling opportunity for fans to meet some of the greatest names in rugby history and will have a hugely positive impact on Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

“The funds raised at this exciting event will be put to work where they are needed most to bring hope and healing to our patients and their families.”

The Leading the Lions evening will celebrate Lions tours of the past and look ahead to what is arguably the biggest Lions tour ever next June. Great names from Lions history will come together with 2017 head coach Warren Gatland and tour manager and 1971 Lion John Spencer.

McEwen added: “Bringing together past Lions coaches, captains and legends at these official events presents not only a unique opportunity to hear from true Lions greats but to raise much needed funds for these four charities.”

In addition to Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (England), The Cure Parkinson’s Trust (Scotland) and Velindre Cancer Centre/Canolfan Ganser Felindre (Wales) as well as the Lions Charitable Trust will also benefit from a dinner in their respective countries.

LEADING THE LIONS DINNERS:

February 10, 2017 – City Hall, Cardiff

March 3, 2017 – Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

April 27, 2017 – Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh

May 11, 2017 – Battersea Evolution, London (black tie)

All events include a wine reception, three-course meal, legendary Lions speakers and an auction in aid of the designated charity and the Lions Charitable Trust. For more information and to book places at the ‘Leading The Lions’ Dinner Series, go to www.lionsrugby.com/tours/leading-the-lions or call 0344 788 4068.