A fundraising dinner organised by a former Bedford Blues player in support of The Katie Piper Foundation (KPF) will take place at the Bedford Blues in their CMC Marquee at Goldington Road in September.
Former England rugby union international Jason Leonard MBE will appear as the main speaker for the evening (18 September), alongside compere Ian Peck and commentator Sam Roberts, who will lead an auction and raffle.
Fundraising evening
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If you know your sport, the event’s speaker, Jason Leonard OBE, needs no introduction.
An absolute legend, England’s third-highest cap holder, and a British & Irish Lion. But beyond all the caps and trophies, he is said to be simply one of the best and funniest storytellers in the game.
During his 14-year international rugby career, he won a then-record 114 caps for England, won four Six Nations Grand Slams and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Live musical entertainment will be provided by Half Back, featuring former RFU CEO Steve Brown alongside a hugely talented young musician, Stu Wood.
They are bringing a relaxed, fun set that is bound to get the party started and round off the evening in style.
Leonard has donated a signed rugby shirt to the auction, while Roberts has offered an exclusive, “unbuyable” media day experience: a young rugby fan will be a Junior Blues reporter for the day.
“A young person (u18) to go behind the scenes with the media team at a Bedford Blues match this coming season – write a report (published on the website), interview players (content shared on Blues social media channels), see how everything is done, including TV production,” said Roberts.
As an added bonus, the report will also be published in the Bedford Independent, giving the young reporter a byline in a professional news publication.
It is shaping up to be a fantastic night of laughter, top-class stories, and great company.
Led by former Blues’ scrum half, Neil Beytell, organisers are also seeking additional donations of items for the fundraising raffle and auction, alongside signed memorabilia and exclusive experiences.
Growing demand
All proceeds from the dinner will go directly to The Katie Piper Foundation, which receives no government funding or state financial assistance.
The national charity reported that 104 survivors accessed its specialist burns rehabilitation services over its most recent reporting period, up from 48 in 2023, following 179 enquiries and 48 formal referrals.
Kate Naish, CEO of The Katie Piper Foundation, said: “The Katie Piper Foundation, established in 2009 by burns survivor Katie Piper OBE, is a national charity dedicated to supporting adults who have experienced life-altering burns and scarring.
“We are so excited that this event is raising funds for The Katie Piper Foundation and thank all the organisers for their support.
“All money raised from the event will help to fund our rehabilitation programme and really will change lives.”
Specialist care
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The foundation provided 26 survivors with intensive residential rehabilitation, delivered over 80 hours of LPG scar treatment at its London clinic, and carried out urgent interventions for 25 individuals identified as being at substantial risk of suicide.
Outcomes tracked by the charity show every survivor reported an overall improvement in health and wellbeing, with 76% experiencing a decrease in anxiety and depression.
On the Katie Piper Foundation website, burns survivor Sangita said: “I am eternally grateful to KPF for putting my life back on track after a major accident and giving me unstinted support.
“I would not have been able to recover so quickly had it not been for all the yoga and LPG and emotional support provided by them.”
Tickets for the event are available online through Ticket Tailor.
