Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull on Friday 9 October, the event will bring together business leaders, supporters and sports fans from across the region for an afternoon of fundraising, networking and entertainment in support of children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing hardship.
Matt Dawson MBE is a retired English rugby union scrum-half, broadcaster and entrepreneur, best known as England Rugby’s long standing scrum-half and a member of the team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Since retiring from rugby, Matt has built a successful career across television, media and business. He became a familiar face to millions over 17 years as a team captain on BBC One’s A Question of Sport and has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef. Alongside his broadcasting work for the BBC, Matt has written extensively on sport and food, and continues to bring his experience, insight and personality to consultancy, events and business projects across the sports and media landscape. He now dedicates most of his time to the corporate arena, working for global real estate JLL as well as having his own strategic clients consultancy.
Matt Dawson MBE said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Sailors’ Children’s Society for Sports Lunch Hull this October. Hull is a city with a proud sporting heritage and a real passion for getting behind good causes, so I’m looking forward to spending the afternoon with supporters, sharing some stories from my career and helping raise money for a fantastic charity.
The work Sailors’ Children’s Society does to support children and families through difficult times is incredibly important, and I’m proud to be playing a small part in helping them continue that work.”
Sports Lunch Hull has become one of the region’s most anticipated fundraising events, welcoming sporting legends, business leaders and supporters for an afternoon of entertainment, networking and fundraising.
Previous speakers have included some of the biggest names in British sport, helping raise vital funds for Sailors’ Children’s Society while sharing stories from their careers at the very highest level.
Guests attending this year’s event can expect an engaging and entertaining afternoon as Matt reflects on his journey from World Cup winner to broadcaster and entrepreneur, offering unique insights into leadership, teamwork, resilience and life beyond professional sport.
The event will also feature fundraising activities throughout the afternoon, with proceeds helping Sailors’ Children’s Society continue its work supporting children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing hardship across the UK.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Matt Dawson to Sports Lunch Hull. Matt is one of the most respected names in British sport, with an incredible career both on and off the rugby field.
“Our Sports Lunches have become a highlight of the region’s business calendar, bringing together supporters, partners and businesses to raise vital funds for children and families facing crisis. We know Matt’s stories, insights and humour will make for a fantastic afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming him to Hull this October.”
Funds raised through Sports Lunch Hull will help Sailors’ Children’s Society continue its work supporting children whose families have worked at sea, including those connected to the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing fleets, ferries, cruise ships, cargo vessels and offshore industries.
Founded in Hull in 1821, the charity has supported more than 50,000 children throughout its history and continues to provide financial, practical and emotional support to seafaring families across the UK.
The event is already sold out but sponsorship opportunities for Sports Lunch Hull are available.
For more information, visit www.sailorschildren.org.uk.
