Harry's Lunch Raises £2,666 for the Youth Sports Trust

Wendi, Gill and Judi presented a cheque for £2,666 to Guin Batten of the Youths Sports Trust at the Leander Club in Henley last Wednesday 22nd October. Guin gained a silver medal in the Women's Fours rowing at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

Guinn went on to say "Thanks for all your hard work in raising the money on behalf of Harry, it will go towards innovating support for other talented young people in sport. I plan to run the Harry Mills – Team maker award at the Talent Camp on the 11th January 2009 in Loughborough"

You can read more about Harry's Lunch click here

Thank you to everyone.

Serena is Running the New York Marathon 2nd November 2008 for Harry & Meningitis Research Foundation

Serena did it - click here for results. Well done.

Serena Spencer Jones is running the New York Half Marathon to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of Harry and her god daughter who survived after contracting Meningitis.

Serena says...

"I wanted to say how hard I've been training, clocking up miles & miles, morning, noon, and night (in my Hi-Vis gillet & flashing armband) and the weather has over the last year tried to blow me over, soak me & toast me but it's ALL been worthwhile.

I'm now in the 'tapering off' part - I run less & less till we fly to New York next Wednesday (crikey the nerves set in when I write this) then on arrival after registering I only have 3 titchy light runs. The idea is I'll be honed & ready like a coiled spring to take on the monster 26.2 miles and just power through it!

Well if thats a good enough game plan for Paula Radcliff it's good enough for me!

So all you wonderful kind people please please click onto my Just Giving web page and sponsor me to do this for Harry & the Meningitis Research Foundation.

www.justgiving.com/spencer-jones

Thankyou everso much with lots of love
Serena xxxx"

Read Serena's story in the Bucks Free Press

Marlow U11's Tunnel of Honour at Wasps V Castres

The Marlow U11's sporting Harry's socks formed the Tunnel of Honour at the opening Heineken Cup game Wasps V Castres at Adams Park on 12th October.

The Marlow U11s included 42 boys with the Wasps Community team, followed by nearly 100 players and parents.

Stuart Wilson Head Coach says "We had our picture with the Guinness Premiership trophy and also formed the tunnel of honour as the players came on to the pitch. All our players were wearing Harry’s socks and the stadium announcer gave a very nice introduction about Harry, the socks and the terrific amount of money raised".

Another proud day for Harry's memory.

Harry's Socks Cheque Presentation at Newbury Rugby Club

Harry's Socks raised £1600 for the Meningitis Research Foundation and what a journey it has been!

A donation of £400 from Mark Foster from Newbury Rugby Club was invested in replica socks of those that Harry wore during his playing days at Marlow Rugby Club. The distinctive hooped socks were remembered by Marlow coach and referee Graeme Kempson during many an hour on the rugby pitch. He conceived the idea of the socks as a way to remember Harry and raise further funds. You can read about the original presentation of the socks here.

It is eight months since the socks presentation and during this time they have become a truly international event. Worn by Marlow teams from mini to youth to the 1st XV in memory of Harry and by brother George and the John Hampden Grammar School team on their world wide tour. The socks visited Hong Kong, Australia, Fiji, Canada, USA and were worn during a spectacular winning game against New Zealand. Phil Vickery England Rugby Captain will wear the during a Barbarians game. Many Friends locally and from around the world have also bought Harry's Socks.

The presentation of the cheque was kindly hosted by Mark Foster at Newbury Rugby Club. Mark laid on a terrific day including lunch before the under 11's played a curtain raiser in Harry's socks which they won 10 - 0. Very exciting for them because they played on the 1st team pitch watched by the 1st team. We the watched the 1st division game between Newbury and Esher - Newbury wearing Harry's socks.

In the photograph of the Presentation from left - John Watson, Graeme Kempson , Mark Foster, Richard, Judi and Newbury mascot.

Newbury laid on a terrific meal and David Smith - the President of Newbury RFC remembered Harry in his pre match speech.

Instrumental in the organisation are John Watson, (Marlow Coach), Michele Tedeschi and Reg Murrell. Michele I think sums the day up when he said:

"I felt very proud to have known Harry, to be associated with the Foundation and to be part of Marlow RFC. The idea of Harry's socks was so fantastic and the rewards so incredible that I can't believe it myself. I thought that Mark Foster and all at Newbury RFC did us proud on Saturday: their hospitality and friendship was heart-warming and just shows what can be done. Newbury RFC have gone to the top of the tree as far as I am concerned.

Let us keep this wonderful thing going and even Harry would be proud of us"

Marie Jenny and Louise "Fall4Harry"

Yes - the parachute jump finally took place on a hot sunny day 21st September 2008. Around 30 well wishers were at the event and the the three girls all landed within 20 yards of the target - Marie on it!

Marie & Jenny (Harry’s sisters) and friend Louise Coleborn jumped 3,500ft for Harry. Marie says: “To mark the anniversary of Harry’s death I wanted to do something in memory of him and to honour the life he once had, and of course to raise money to help find a cure, to stop other families having to deal with the loss, pain and confusion that we have suffered. Myself, my sister Jenny and a my friend Louise Coleborn will be jumping out of a plane from 3,000 feet, with only ourselves and a cord to pull our parachute - otherwise known as a static line jump. We originally planned to jump on the 27th April after a full days worth of training on the 26th up at Booker (nr. High Wycombe) airfield. Due to bad weather the jump was cancelled.

Marie goes on to say "it was terrifying at first but once the parachute opened and we floated down it was really peaceful and able to reflect on why we were doing it"

The girls have raised £3000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Pictures of the jump can be viewed here - Jump Pictures

Videos of the landing below Marie top Jenny and Louise bootom.

Harry's Lunch a Great Success

To view pictures of the event click here - Harry's Lunch Pictures

Harry Mills was a dedicated sportsman and as pictured Wendi Parcell (centre) and Gill May (left) with Judi Mills (right) have remembered him by raising funds at Harry's Lunch for The Youth Sport Trust which supports the development of all young people through sport. Harry's Lunch was held at St. Katherine's, Parmoor, Frieth on 23rd September 2008.

Harry’s Lunch was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Guests (120) arrived for a Pimms & canapes reception in the entrance hall, entertained by Jenny Hayes on piano. Guests then moved through to the anteroom where there was a display of Harry's medals & trophies & photos. There was also a display of some of the sporting events/trophies & awards that have happened over the last few months since his death. e.g. the Outstanding Sportsman (from Marlow Town Council), The 'Harry Mills' scull (Marlow rowing club), Marlow Merlins & RUFC Cups & Awards and The Youth Sport Trust 'Harry Mills Team Maker Award'.

Among the guests was Alan Black of the RFU and ex Wasps player - Blackie and the RFU have been very supportive, donating a Box at Twickenham and holding fund raising events - the Talking Rugby Dinners at Bisham Abbey (next one on the 28th November 2008).

Following a welcome speech by Wendi Parcell, a delicious lunch was served by St Katharine's staff. Judi then gave a speech & explained about Harry's Garden - Katie Watkins & Sam Tippett distributed the sunflower seeds (donated by Unwins & Suttons) and 'Harry Mills Mixture' sweet peas (created & donated by Roger Parsons Nurseries) or 'Our Harry' sweet peas (Eagle Nurseries).

The toast was – “to Harry”, a very special boy, and to all our very special friends' . Guin Batten (Youth Sport Trust) explained the work done by the YST including special, innovative projects with gifted & talented youngsters (mainly 14 - 18yr olds) at the start of their sporting careers. She said that they worked with youngsters on their whole motivation - mental preparation, goal setting, practical issues (e.g. how to train whilst still 'being a teenager') as well as skills & fitness training. She updated us on Mikey Wilson, winner of the Harry Mills Team Maker Award, - he recently represented England in Canada in the u14 canoe slalom team.

Gill May then asked Vince Mackenzie (ex head of Spinfield School) to draw the raffle - over 25 local businesses had very generously donated prizes ranging from gym membership at Bisham Abbey, Gift Basket from La Cotonniere, Cufflinks from Gatsby, tennis coaching from Justin Cook, Beauty vouchers from Sunrise salon, Flowers from Pollenation and Richard's giant jars of exclusive 'Windy Mills Pickled Onions & Pickled Beetroot'.

Other help came from Rebellion Brewery (donated beer), Waitrose (wine) and the Mums of Leighton Park School who donated the Pimms & wine served during the meal.

The Lunch raised £2500.

Many thanks to all our guests for your wonderful support.

Below - Wendi remembers Harry..

Meningitis Trust Remembers Harry

Harry is remembered in the Meningitis Trust Remembrance Book. Nearly £3000 has been raised for the Trust.

Harry Mills Wins Gold

The scull named after Harry by Marlow Rowing Club has won Gold at at the Home International Rowing in Cardiff (for Wales). Well done to the winners from the Mills family. You can read about the naming of the scull at Events for Harry in 2007.

We can also report that Marlow Rowing Club had a crew reach the final of Henley Regatta and then went on to pick 3 gold and a silver medal at the National Champions.

John Hampden World Rugby Tour Wear Harrys Socks

George, Harry's brother embarked in July on a World Rugby Tour with John Hampden Grammar School. A fantastic tour where they visited and played rugby in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, USA and Canada.

The match in New Zealand was dedicated to Harry - the team wore Harry's socks and won the game 10 - 6. George is pictured on the back row fourth from right.

The website is well worth a visit and the video regarding the New Zealand game can be found at JHGS Tour.

Graham Glynn at Sanofi-Aventis Raises £700 for Harry

Graham Glynn at Sanofi-Aventis in Guildford organised a dress down day in memory of and have rasied £700.

Rachel Goodwin wins the Harry Mills Cross Country Cup donated by Bucks, Berks & Oxon Cross Country League – April 2008

The 3 counties cross country league wanted to sponsor a Harry Mills Memorial Cup in recognition of Harry’s achievements in this sport. The cup was to be awarded to a runner who showed determination & commitment as well as athletic ability. Rachel Goodwin, aged 10 years, has regularly competed in cross country events, representing Spinfield School in Marlow, and has displayed a consistent winning streak. Once, she even arrived late when the rest of the field had a 400 yard head start and still won! Harry would have appreciated that story – he once was out in front during a race, wasn’t sure which way to go, so stopped, waited for the rest to catch up to find out, then ran off again….finishing in 1st place!

Jack Joseph wins the Harry Mills Fair Play Trophy

Congratulations to Jack Joseph who won the Harry Mills Fair Play Trophy at Spinfield School in July 2008. This is an award made each year in memory of Harry who was pupil at Spinfield.

Zoe Overall Keeps Her Promise for Harry

Zoe Overall and freinds from Cookham have raised more than £400 for Meningitis Research on a sponsored horse ride. Zoe made a promise to Richard Harry's Dad to organise the ride and has done just that. They had planned to ride in Windsor Great Park but were told the night before it had to be cancelled due to water logging. Undeterred Mum and Dad re-arranged the ride around Knowl Hill following (on foot) to ensure the safety of the riders.

BUPA 10km Run Hyde Park 20th July 2008 Run 4 Harry

Jenny (Harry’s sister), Nick Williams, Jessica Denton, Abbie Smith, Ben Inglis, Vicky Tippell, Mike Greene, Dominic Meadows, Vinh Trung Tieu & friend, and Kieran Prince competed in the Bupa 10km race at Hyde Park to raise funds for Meningitis. All finished the race, some despite never having run such a distance, and times ranged from 45 minutes to 1 hour 30minutes.

Sharon Fox runs the Wycombe Half Marathon for Harry – July 2008

On Sunday 20th July, Sharon Fox, one of the team of John Hampden Grammar School cleaners, ran the Wycombe Half Marathon to raise funds for Meningitis Research. She said she was determined to do it for Harry and was delighted with her time of 2hrs 20mins. Her support was particularly poignant as she herself lost her 13 year old son, Daniel, in an accident in 2006

See Sharon in the Bucks Free Press

Mike O’Reilly (Tom’s dad) Run for Team Harry

Mike O'Reilly comments:-

"My three sons all play rugby at Marlow RFC; on 26 April 2007 Harry Mills - a fellow youth rugby player - died of meningitis within 24 hours of contracting the disease. Meningitis was also responsible for the death of Nick Duncombe - potentially the best England scrum half of his generation - in February 2003.

Harry's parents have set up 'Team Harry' to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation to help to find the causes of the disease. I will be competing in the London Triathlon on 10th August 2008 as part of Team Mazda (pictured - Mike second from right back row) but mainly for Team Harry and the Meningitis Research Foundation. I would be very grateful for your support. Please annotate any DONATION with 'Team Harry'. Thank You."

Harry's Box at The Guinness Premiership Cup Final

The RFU donated a Box at the Guinness Premiership Cup Final to raise funds for Harry. The Box including 10 tickets and a buffet was bought by Paula Weaver of JTM Property Developers based in Lincoln.

This was a wonderful gesture by the RFU and thanks to Paula for her generous donation of £2,350 - proceeds to Harry's fund at the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Thanks also to Blackie of the RFU for thinking of Harry.

Joshua Lambert Cycles From Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower

Josh is cycling from Big Ben (London) to the Eiffel Tower (Paris), which is about 300 miles and will take 4 days!!! He would be grateful for any supporting sponsors , which will be donated to the MENINGITIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION. The epic journey begins on 24th May and the route is.....

Day 1 60 miles Big Ben, London through the scenic South Downs (Sussex) and the historic town of Lewes, before getting the ferry at Newhaven to Dieppe, France.

Day 2 90 miles leave Dieppe and cycle through Saane valley, cross the mouth of River Seine, arrive in Lisieux

Day3 70 miles leave Lisieux and cycle along the bank of the River Risle, arrive at Vernon

Day 4 65 miles the final leg! leave Vernon follow the river Seine to Paris!!!!!!

Please sponsor Josh here.

A Butterfly Garden in Memory of Harry

A £25 million Butterfly dome to be built in Hertfordshire and completed in spring 2009 will include a garden in memory of Harry.

Butterfly World Trust is a new conservation charity with an urgent mission to:

• raise awareness of the threats to the world’s butterfly and moth population
  
• educate the public about the conservation of all wild flora and fauna
  
• preserve the natural environment for the benefit of the public and the rest of the natural world.
  
• fund research into the natural environment – especially butterflies and moths - and publish the results.

The first aim is to create butterfly world – the world’s biggest and most exciting butterfly attraction, designed to bring the public into direct contact with some of the most fragile and beautiful wildlife the world has to offer, and send out a clarion call on behalf of this endangered treasure.

Harry's garden is being designed by the renowned Fern Alder and will also include a hedgehog sanctuary to protect and treat injured hedgehogs.

On the day Harry died, we opened our front door to see a hedgehog sat in the middle of our porch staring at us. We’ve never seen this before or since, so to include hedgehogs in the garden is a wonderful thought.

The garden will raise funds for charities.

Dan Edwards Marathon Man

Dan Edwards Director of Sport at John Hampden Grammar school, Harry's Sports Master has raised in excess of £700 for The Child Bereavement Centre and Wellchild Foundation. Dan ran the London Marathon in 4hr 15min wearing a pair of luminous yellow shoes which raised an extra £100 pounds.

Dan says "Harry Mills one of the most talented students I have ever had the pleasure to teach - Harry was definitely a help from mile 20 - 25 as I could just hear him taking the mickey out of the fact he could walk faster than I was running!"

This is Dan's third and LAST Marathon??

If anyone would still like to donate Dan's fundraising page is at .. www.justgiving.com/danieledwards2008

Fraser Duncans's Testimonial Raises £600 for Harry

Fraser Duncan Marlow 1st Team Captain has supported many events for Harry and he and the team wore Harry's socks during recent 1st Team games. Fraser's Testimonial was held on the 26th April - after 25 years playing rugby at Marlow Fraser is hanging his boots up at the end of the season. A game was held between the Fraser Select XV and the Marlow All Stars XV, with lots of old faces coming back to the club to play one last game with Fraser. Wayne Barnes (the International referee that upset all those Kiwi’s in the World Cup ¼ Final) refereed the game. Heston Blumenthal kicked off the first ball.

Ewan Jones who organised the day kindly arranged to collect money for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of Harry - the day being the anniversary of Harry's death. £600 pounds was raised - many thanks to all who donated and to Marlow Rugby Club.

11th May 2008 - The Marlow 5 : Renaissance Hair Salon Run for Harry

Jessica Denton (aged 21 & a family friend) and her fellow stylists at Renaissance Hair Salon in West Street, Marlow have run the Marlow5 for Harry - that's 5 miles and not 5km as Jess originally thought. The team consists of: Len (the Manager), Chris, Jag, Dev, Georgia, Jessica and freind of Jessica's s Zana. None had ever attempted this type of long distance running before. It was a hot day and the going was tough but they did it. They have collected over £2,200 in sponsorship and are still looking to build on this - if you would like to sponsor Jess & the Renaissance Team, please visit the salon in Marlow or click here.

Jessica remembers Harry in the Bucks Free Press.

T shirts were kindly donated by Richard at Allez UK

Holy Trinity Harriers and John Hampden Charity Match

On Saturday 26th April, Holy Trinity Harriers and John Hampden’s Year 8 football team played a football match in memory of Harry to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.Elli Goss Holy Trinity Harriers Coach said “Harry was an amazing sportsman, a great friend and a highly valued member of both of the above football teams so it seems fitting to play a match in his honour”Each boy taking part in the match was invited to make a £5.00 donation to the Meningitis Research Foundation. Other donations from parents/spectators were also received on the day. After the match there was a BBQ and the bar was open in the clubhouse. A total of over £400 was raised on the day.
Holy Trinity Harriers web site - click here
John Hampden Grammar School web site - click here

Marlow Mini Rugby Tournament 2008: The Harry Mills Memorial Cup

The 36th Annual Mini Rugby Tournament, the largest in the South of England, took place at Marlow RFC on Sunday 30th March. It was at this time last year that Harry played in his last Marlow tournament representing the u12s. It was a beautiful sunny day and over 2000 players from u7s to u12s and from 15 different clubs attended playing in leagues of 6 in both A and B competitions. The organisation was superb, the atmosphere wonderful, and some excellent rugby was played in a great spirit of friendly rivalry.Upon completion of the under 12s finals, guest of honour Phil Vickery, London Wasps star and England Captain, presented the winners, London Irish, with the Harry Mills Memorial Cup. It was a particularly poignant moment for one London Irish player as he himself had had meningitis as a 14 month old toddler. The cup was donated by Marlow Rugby Club as a tribute to Harry and will be played for every year. Richard then presented Phil Vickery with a pair of Harry’s socks which Phil promised to wear the next time he plays in a Barbarians team! Special thanks to Mike Simmonds of Marlow RFC for his involvement in organising the Cup and Phil Vickery as special guest. Thanks too to Rosie & Sophie who collected £191.63 on the day for Meningitis Research and to all the Marlow Minis, players, parents & coaches.




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The Maidenhead Advertiser article

The day's programme signed by Phil Vickery

Emma Shepherdson raises over £1,000 for Harry

Emma, mother to David, a friend of Harry’s from Spinfield School, is on a sponsored slim and has impressively succeeded in losing 3 stone for Harry and so far raising £1,075. This was a determined effort and Emma says “It's taken a long time, but I'm pleased I've finally reached my target and can start collecting for the Meningitis charity. It means a lot to me to do this in memory of Harry, who I will always remember for his adorable smile and endless enthusiasm which was infectious to everyone around him.I know that David (on the left next to Harry) will always treasure all the memories of his best friend. He still speaks of him every day. If you would like to support Emma, please email her at simon.shep@tiscali.co.uk

Wasps CoacHclass for Marlow Merlins, Triangular Fixture and Promotional Day

On Sunday 9th March, Drifters, Marlow and Wasps competed in a CoacHclass run by Wasps at the Royal Grammar School in memory of Harry. Afterwards all of the boys went to watch Wasps play Harlequins at Adams Park. A presentation of the cup was made to the winning team at the Wasps Harlequin game.

Marlow Rowing Club Quiz Night

Marlow Rowing Club held a quiz night in aid of The Harry Mills Charity on the 9th February.

The quiz night was organised by the junior section of the Rowing club - Sophie Pain, Juliet Steynor, Dan Clarke & Mikey Mottram along with coach Russell Peacock.

Around 15 teams participated (6 to a team) many of them junior rowers. In addition there was a silent auction with superb prizes ranging from a blade signed by the GB team, a flying lesson, a sports massage, rowing accessories and a mobile phone. There was also a raffle with more modest prizes (including a pair of Harry's socks!).

There was a great atmosphere and after several tense question rounds led by question masters Sophie & Juliet, Team Harry emerged champions!

The whole event was very well organised and good fun raising around £1,475 in total which was split between the Rowing Club and Harry’s charities.

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Marlow Rowing Club Quiz Night Poster

Rugby Socks Presentation – Merlins win 32 – 0

In October 2007 at an U13 festival Newbury RUFC donated a sum of money in Harry's memory. It was decided by the coaching team of the u13s to use this to fund replicas of Harry's distinctive socks (black & white hooped) with his initials on the back which the Marlow Merlins would then wear throughout their time at Marlow RUFC in his memory.

On Sunday 3rd February the Marlow Merlins pulled on their socks for the first time to play in the Bucks Plate semi-final against Aylesbury. The socks proved lucky and the team played one of their best matches of the season, going on to win a decisive victory ; 32-0.

Afterwards, in the packed Clubhouse, John Watson gave a moving tribute to Harry and presented Mark Foster the Youth Director of Newbury RUFC with a pair of ‘Harry’s Socks’. (John’s tributeis reproduced below)

The special framed plaque was unveiled featuring photos of Harry in action together with a pair of the socks and takes pride of place alongside a framed picture of one of his rugby heroes – Matt Dawson

Richard thanked both Clubs for their generosity, saying that Harry had loved playing rugby for Marlow and that he hoped his spirit would live on through the team and bring them luck. He & Judi also showed the assembled crowd the original pair of Harry’s muddy socks!

The socks went on sale, priced £10, with profits to Harry’s charities, and almost immediately sold out! New supplies have been ordered and purchases can be made through the club in person or by emailing office@marlowrfc.com

Special thanks go to Newbury RUFC for their generosity, John Watson & Marlow RUFC for their organisation, Graeme Kempson for the idea, Dave & Helen Walker for arranging the plaque, and of course the Marlow Merlins.

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Bucks Free Press Report

Maidenhead Advertiser Report

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Marlow RUFC: Harry’s Socks Presentation
John Watson's Tribute

Good Afternoon everyone.

Firstly, I would like to welcome all of our special guests here today. We have of course Harry’s family, Richard and Judi, George, Jenny and Marie. Also a special welcome to Richard’s Mum and Dad

We also have Mark Foster Youth Director from Newbury Rugby Club. Welcome. More of them later.

I am also delighted that we are joined by Peter trunkfield, Former President of the RFU, our Chairman, Gwyn Stone, our Youth Chairman Debbie Loveday and our Mini’s Chairman Mike Simmonds. Welcome.

We are here today for two purposes, both of course in memory of Harry and both of course to ensure that we continue to remember Harry.

Firstly, we will discuss socks and then we will unveil a photograph of Harry as a lasting memory to him in the Clubhouse.

At the start of this season we ran a small U13s tournament. We ran the tournament in Harry’s memory and invited Clubs that we were friendly with. Newbury came along and of course they won all of the trophies – and these were presented to Newbury by Richard and Judi. Newbury were also very generous. They had collected £400 at their Club and brought it as a donation to Harry’s charities. A very kind and generous donation that touched many of us. Thank you.

At that time, we were also seeking to create a lasting tribute to Harry. Graeme Kempson reminded us that Harry always wore a unique pair of socks – the traditional Black and White hoops. I believe that they were hand-me-downs from George. Seeing these socks always reminded Graeme of Harry. So, with Richard and Judi’s permission, we used the £400 to purchase socks with Harry’s initials on the back and our age group will always wear these socks throughout our time at Marlow, in memory of Harry. The sales of the socks to our age group and to anyone else who wishes to buy a pair, will ensure that Newbury’s initial investment will be paid to Harry’s charities plus a healthy surplus will be added.

Today, we wore Harry’s socks for the first time – and won!. It was a moving moment to pull on these socks. Every time we play a game, as we pull on our socks we will think of Harry. And if anyone asks who’s HM, we can explain that he was the best player in the Under 12’s: he was very fast, had great vision and skills, but most of all was so full of fun to be with and always enjoyed the game.

So, thank you Newbury. Also I would like to thank Graeme Kempson and David and Helen Walker for all their hard work in having the socks made and also making the photograph of Harry for hanging in the Club.

What I would like to do now is ask Richard and Judi to kindly give a pair of socks to to mark Foster from Newbury and then unveil the photograph.

RFU Talking Rugby Dinner raises £745

Alan Black (Blackie) of the RFU organised a ‘Talking Rugby’ Dinner in the Great Hall at Bisham Abbey on Friday 1st February with proceeds going to Harry’s charities.

The event was a sell out with over a hundred guests from local rugby clubs attending together with Peter Trunkfield (RFU Past President) and Simon Winman (RFU Head of Funding & Facilities).
After dinner Blackie introduced the panel;

ROB DEBNEY (RFU Elite Referee)
CHRIS JONES (Rugby correspondent – The Standard)
PETER SCRIVENER (London Wasps Commercial Manager)

There followed a lively question & answer session on topical issues surrounding the game including a vote on the likely outcome of the England v Wales match.

Finally, the draw was held for a hand blown ‘last drop’ crystal decanter donated by Trevor Fulton and won by Roy Carlisle. The event raised £745 for Meningitis Research Foundation.

Links:
http://www.rfu.com/
http://www.thelastdropltd.co.uk/

Dame Kelly Holmes Presents Harry’s Award

The Youth Sport Trust presented the Harry Mills Team Maker Award on 8th January at The National Talent Orientation Camp 2008 at Loughborough University. Pictured is Judi with Mikey Wilson the winner, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Michael “Mikey” Wilson won the award for Canoeing having been nominated by all Team Manager’s. Mikey’s achievement was summarised as follows by the Youth Sport Trust.

"This young athlete has outstanding leadership qualities which come from his constant unfaltering energy. He leads by example and has a unique personality which allows others to come out of their shells and develop their self confidence. He is striving for team success in a totally selfless way, with outstanding courage and has been a complete asset and ambassador for this camp.”

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Youth Sports Award Programme

Youth Sport Trust - Creation of the Team Maker Award in Harry's memory

Further information about the Youth Sport Trust can be found on their website - click here