WORCESTER Warriors legend Chris Pennell launched his testimonial year with a community rugby camp for 106 youngsters as part of a packed morning of celebrations at Sixways.
Sunday’s event marked the start of 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 more than 200 games for Warriors, will be celebrating with a host of events and fund-raisers, with his next event set to take place at Worcester Racecourse on Wednesday, August 29.
“It was great to launch the 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,” Pennell said.
“While there’ll be a fund-raising 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.”
Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “It’s great 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.”
Amanda Smallman, Acorns senior fund-raising manager of Corporate and Community, said: “We’re over the moon Chris has chosen Acorns as one of the charities to benefit from his 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 £10million a year to provide our care for children and families, so we’re hugely thankful for Chris’ support – not just through fund-raising, but also the increased awareness about our work this will bring.”
Dr Jennifer Kelly, founder and director of Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust, said: “We are delighted to partner with Chris during his testimonial year and feel honoured 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.”
Visit www.chrispennell.co.uk for more about the testimonial year.
