Joe Calzaghe turned his unquenchable fighting spirit into hard cash for Britain's wounded war heroes by donating all profits from his glittering testimonial Gala Dinner at London's Grosvenor House Hotel to the charity Help for Heroes.
Over 700 guests attended the star studded event, hosted by Jim White and Paul Dempsey, including Brian Lara, Richard Dunwoody, Barry McGuigan, Mark Foster, Rachel Stevens, Ali Bastian, Brian Fortuna, Rav Wilding, Tamer Hassan and Kevan Jones MP, Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans. They were also joined by many of Britain’s brave injured service men and women, including Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC and Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg, both of whom were separately injured in Iraq.
The Stereophonics, Joss Stone and Rhydian provided exclusive live performances on the night, along with the Fron Male Voice Choir, Cole Page and The Coldstream Guards.
Their collective support, coupled with the fabulous generosity of many private individuals from the world of business who made bids on many rare and unique auction items, ensured that the event was able to help raise a significant sum for the charity.
Joe Calzaghe plans to provide further personal support for Help for Heroes throughout the year and said “As a boxer I understand what it can mean to fight and sometimes to fight against the odds. But in all my 23 world title bouts, I can honestly say that I never had to show the courage and sheer guts that these injured guys need to draw on in their everyday life after the battles they have fought. I salute each and every one of them and will continue to do everything I can to raise money for them through Help for Heroes – a fantastic charity.”
Further news on the next event to be held by Joe Calzaghe in aid of Help for Heroes will be announced on Joe’s official website www.joecalzaghe.com