Gareth Southgate has revealed he 'really wanted to help' after Newcastle United assistant Graeme Jones asked the England boss for his support for an event in aid of St Oswald's Hospice.
Jones is an official charity ambassador for St Oswald’s, who cared for the Newcastle number two's mother, Rita, when she received end-of-life care on the inpatient unit 30 years ago. As part of his role with the charity, Jones has helped plan a sportsman's dinner with wife Debbie to celebrate the work of St Oswald's, which will take place at the Hilton in Gateshead on February 16, 2023.
Southgate will be a special guest on the night, after previously working with Jones when England reached the final of Euro 2020, and the Three Lions manager will take part in a live Q&A on stage with host Justin Lockwood.
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“I am really looking forward to being part of the event in support of St Oswald’s Hospice," the England boss said. "I have known Graeme since around 2008 when we did our Pro Licence together and we kept in touch afterwards. I was delighted to have him join my coaching team for Euro 2020.
“When he personally asked for my support at this event, I really wanted to help. Hospices are vital parts of their local communities and I know that Graeme and his family were supported enormously by St Oswald’s Hospice many years ago, something he hasn’t forgotten. In his ambassador role for the charity, he is able to use his profile to help make a difference and I am proud to have been asked to join him and do the same.”
Steph Edusei, the chief executive at St Oswald's Hospice, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Gareth Southgate as a speaker for our upcoming sportsman’s dinner. He is bound to have many stories from his long and successful career and it’s wonderful he is able to find time to support Graeme and the hospice in this way.
“We also want to thank Graeme and Debbie Jones for their support of St Oswald’s Hospice, they have been the driving force behind the planning of this event. We can’t wait to welcome our guests, including players and coaches from Newcastle United, to what we know will be a very special evening.”
Limited individual tickets are on sale for the event at £175 each while tables of 10 cost £1,750. Each ticket includes an arrival drink followed by a three-course meal and drinks on the table, and there will also be fundraising raffles and auctions on the night. For more information, please email KirstyMcDonald@stoswaldsuk.org.
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