June 4, 2008

New sponsor for Help for Heroes Challenge at Twickenham

The organisers of the Help for Heroes Challenge match at Twickenham on September 20th can today announce that Lord Ashcroft KCMG, the international businessman and philanthropist has agreed to become one of the eight headline sponsors of the charity game which intends to raise £1 million towards a new swimming pool and gym complex at the tri-services rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, Surrey.

Lord Ashcroft, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party has donated £60,000 in a personal capacity. A longstanding and proud supporter of Britain’s armed forces, the cause is one that is close to his heart. “I am delighted to be able to be associated with such a wonderful event,” Lord Ashcroft said. “Our troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq deserve our full support and those who unfortunately suffer serious injury in the line of duty, need the best possible care and rehabilitation facilities. That is what we want to provide at Headley Court.“

In addition, Lord Ashcroft will make available for exhibition at Twickenham 50 Victoria Crosses, a third of his collection, which is the largest in the world and which has been carefully accumulated over the past 20 years.

The Challenge Match will feature two teams a Help for Heroes XV captained by Lawrence Dallaglio, the recently retired England legend, and an International Select XV captained by Scott Gibbs, the former Wales and Lions star.

Tickets are available at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 2492

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