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The fundraising efforts for Stuart Mangan, the young Irish rugby player paralysed from the neck down during a game on 5 April 2008, are reaching amazing heights – mirroring the immense courage and determination of an extraordinary man (see www.StuartMangan.org for full details).
Stuart’s brother John is L’Oréal UK Luxury Fragrance Division Deputy General Manager – and known to many in this channel from his days with the company’s travel retail division. As a result, a number of individuals and companies connected to travel retail have been supporting the cause – including Jonathan Holland of Jonathan Holland & Associates; Dan Cappell of Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Olivier Bottrie (The Estée Lauder Companies President, Travel Retailing Worldwide); the Dubai Duty Free Foundation; World Duty Free; Brown-Forman; and The Moodie Report.
On Saturday night in London, The Moodie Report is delighted to be hosting a table at a fund-raising dinner for Stuart called Champagne and Diamonds. Many of the rugby community’s leading lights will be there among an expected 500-strong crowd, and a very significant sum is likely to be raised.
But it needs to be – Stuart will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. The costs of that care are vast. So Champagne and Diamonds is just one step in a long journey.
Another giant step has been taken with the launch of ‘Together We Stand’, a unique CD put together by leading Irish musicians and backed by past and present heroes of the mighty Munster rugby team.
Munster last weekend qualified for the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup, the symbol of European club rugby supremacy – and it’s hard to see anyone stopping them. Just like their fans, the players are in good voice on the CD, which went on sale this month. Former Irish internationals Peter Clohessy and Mick Galwey feature on the album together with comedian Jon Kenny in a special recording of the Munster anthem ‘Stand Up and Fight’. Another highlight is a medley of ‘The Fields of Athenry’, ‘Flower of Scotland’ and ‘Bread of Heaven’ sung by members of the current Munster squad.
Again you can buy a copy at www.StuartMangan.org
The Moodie Blog has two copies of the CD to give away. You just have to answer three questions to go into the draw for each copy:
1. Which rugby club did Stuart play for (you will have to visit www.StuartMangan.org to find the answer)
2. Who is the current Munster captain?
3. Which famous international rugby side narrowly beat Munster at Thomond Park in late 2008?
Send your entries, marked ‘Stuart Mangan Appeal’ to Martin@TheMoodieReport.com by May 1 – and please take a close look at Stuart’s website if you have the chance.
In related news, former Irish captain Keith Wood is championing a unique fund-raising event this Autumn called ‘Night Around Tables’. Actually it’s a series of events – a true global phenomenon.
In short, participants all around the world will simply host a meal at home with their friends. Each gathering will send a donation from that dinner to the appeal. If, like Keith Wood, you are interested in being part of this global event, please register your interest by e-mailing info@nightaroundtables.org
Well written article.