The national and local media descended on Kingston Park today as the Newcastle Falcons launched Saturday’s Aviva Premiership match against London Irish in support of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).
Sky Sports News, BBC Look North and ITV Tyne Tees were all present to put their questions to Falcons director of rugby Gary Gold. And Falcons TV were at the press conference, ensuring that you the fan would not miss a thing.
Entrepreneur Graham Wylie, owner of Close House has teamed up with Falcons owner Semore Kurdi to make the Irish match a charity match.
An auction will take place following the game with a whole host of “money can’t buy” prizes on offer – one of the highlights of a special charity day at the club this weekend.
Proceeds will go to CHUF which has saved the life of Mr Wylie’s daughter Kiera on more than one occasion.
“We feel very strongly about the charity and it is great that two local entrepreneurs from the North East, Graham and Semore are teaming up for this worthwhile cause,” Gold told the assembled media.
Gold added: “The club is incredibly proud to support the charity and we are using the great game of rugby to support them.
“They have a fantastic unit and set-up at the Freeman Hospital and I encourage everyone who comes to the game to donate as much or as little as possible for the charity.
“It is important that we get the message out there to show the good work that the charity does and spread the word about possibly being a donor.
“It is one of those classic situations where you think that your heart is working fine and in the blink of an eye something could happen to you.
“It is really commendable that entrepreneurs like Graham and Semore are dedicated to such a great charity.”
A dinner party for 12, prepared by four members of the Falcons squad is one of the top lots up for grabs in the auction.
“There are some fun items on offer and it will be interesting to see the players show off their cooking skills,” Gold said jokingly.
Fresh from signing his new three year contract, talisman Jimmy Gopperth fronted up to the cameras and gave his support for the CHUF.
“It is a pleasure to be able to support such a worthwhile charity and I know that it is a charity that is very close to Graham and Semore,” said Gopperth.
The Kingston Park club enjoyed the adulation of the fans when news broke that the Kiwi goal-kicking sensation had committed his future to Newcastle.
Gopperth added: “I am very happy to be here for a further three years and I have a lot of respect for Semore’s vision and what he is trying to do for this club.
“He is very ambitious and he does not just want to be at the top of English rugby, but European rugby too. I want to be a part of that and it excites me to see such passion in the owner.”
You can watch interviews with Gold and Gopperth on Falcons TV by clicking here.
The auction will take place after the final whistle has blown but sealed bids can be taken in advance of the game and should be emailed no later than Friday 17, to Julie.stone@chuf.org.uk
Tickets for the game are available by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or click here to purchase online (kick-off 3pm).
