Warriors legend Chris Pennell launched his Testimonial Year with a Community Rugby Camp on Sunday, as 106 youngsters enjoyed the fine weather at Sixways Stadium.
The event marked the start of what is set to be an action-packed year, as the Warriors full-back looks to raise money for his three chosen charities: Diabetes UK, Acorns Children’s Hospice and the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust.
England international Pennell, who has played over 200 games for Warriors, will be celebrating with a whole host of events and fundraisers, with his next event set to take place at Worcester Racecourse on Wednesday 29 August.
And Sunday marked the beginning of his Testimonial Year, as he ran a Rugby Camp on a warm day at Sixways.
He said: “It was great to launch the Testimonial Year with a community event on what was a beautiful day and it was even more pleasing to see how well all the participants did in the heat and that they all went home with smiles on their faces.
“While there’ll be a fundraising element to the year, it’s nice to be able to reach out and give back to the community and I’m really excited about what’s to come over the next 12 months.”
Warriors Honorary Education Officer Lynette Cutting, who is chairing Pennell’s Testimonial Committee (CP15), said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Chris’ Testimonial Year. I have been highly impressed at the way Chris has managed his diabetes whilst playing professional rugby and he is a great example to others who have to cope with this condition.
“Along with his chosen charities, Chris also wants this year to benefit local businesses and therefore we will be involved with six key partners who will be able to entertain their clients at the exciting and diverse range of events during the year, which we hope will positively contribute to their business success.”
Chris Askew, the Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “It’s great that Chris has been given this Testimonial Year after such magnificent service to Warriors. It has been a pleasure for Diabetes UK to benefit from Chris’ support over the past few years. He has been a great example to others with Type 1, not least as he is always very open about his condition, and we’re looking forward to supporting him and working with him over this year.”
Five-time Olympic gold medallist and Diabetes UK supporter Sir Steve Redgrave said: “As a sportsman who had to get to grips with diabetes myself, I am very impressed at Chris’ dedication and commitment to managing his condition. This has been proven as he has gone on to play for England and 200 games for Warriors. I’m very glad to hear he is being honoured by the Club, and even happier to hear that Diabetes UK, a charity I support, will be one of the recipients. I wish Chris every success through this special year.”
Amanda Smallman, Acorns Senior Fundraising Manager of Corporate and Community, said: “We’re over the moon that Chris has chosen Acorns as one of the charities to benefit from his Testimonial Year. It’s shaping up to be a fabulous year of events and we hope lots of people get involved to raise vital funds for these three wonderful causes. It costs Acorns nearly £10 million each year to provide our care for children and families, so we’re hugely thankful for Chris’ support – not just through fundraising, but also the increased awareness about our work this will bring.”
Dr Jennifer Kelly, Founder and Director of the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust, said: “We are delighted to partner with Chris during his Testimonial Year and feel honoured that he has chosen us as a local charity which is now having a national impact on raising awareness of and funding vital research into solid tumour cancer in children. We will work together over the next year to raise as much as we can to continue to fulfil Grace’s wish to help others.”
For more information about CP15, please visit www.chrispennell.co.uk.