Memories of Vikki Orvice
A star-studded gathering of the good and the great from sport and the media gathered at Lord's on November 13 to honour the legacy of Vikki Orvice and raise a six figure sum for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.Over £103,000 was raised among an audience of 400 people who turned up to pay tribute to Vikki, who passed away last February. It was an emotional and moving evening, with tears and laughter in equal measure, superbly hosted by Jacqui Oatley, Vikki's friend and FWA committee member.
Ian Ridley, Vikki's husband gave a moving speech and said how much she would have loved to see so many familiar faces, which included Brendan Foster, Paula Radcliffe, Tony Adams, Greg Rutherford and Monty Panesar, to name just a few of the sports stars who attended. One special guest was Tony Currie, Vikki's favourite footballer, on a table hosted by her beloved Sheffield United.
The gospel choir who sang superbly at Vikki's funeral reprised their moving and inspiring performance on the night, which was organised by FWA Chair Carrie Brown, Jacqui and Philippe Auclair, along with Jo Tongue and Ian, along with representatives from the Royal Marsden.
The Sun, who made Vikki the first female staff football writer on a tabloid, sponsored the evening, which concluded with a Q and A session with a selection of Vikki's colleagues from the world of sport and journalism.
Later Ian announced: "A massive £103,000 raised for @royalmarsden. Thank you to the 400 who attended and all who donated and bought those amazing auction lots and raffle tickets."
Donations can still be made here: https://www.royalmarsden.org/
Rodrigo Lara of Hayters made a short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2TbZrkV-fM
And thanks to Scott Tweed for pics: https://t.co/V5DVf3aUUO?amp=1
Tags: Carrie Brown, ian ridley, Jacqui Oatley, Jo Tongue, Lord's, philippe auclair, Royal Marsden, Vikki Orvice
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