2010-06-10 11:46:10 - In April this year, Sir Ian Botham completed a special anniversary walk, marking some 25 years since his first hike from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Leukaemia Research. As a suitable finale celebration, Dr. David English organised the annual Bunbury ball to salute the dedication and tenacity of Ian in the field of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. The atmosphere and social milieu was suitably effervescent, with the evening featuring a salubrious combination of cricket and music legends.

The reception took place in Buckingham Suite of Grosvenor House and resembled a buzzing hive of activity comprising many charismatic and prestigious faces. A debonair Bill Wyman arrived with Rhythm King Terry Taylor and was rapidly rubbing shoulders with manager extraordinaire Johnny Cousins, John Altman and ‘whispering’ DJ Bob Harris. As the evening settled, David English arrived suitably parched and enquired emphatically as to where the alcoholic refreshments were situated?

In the absence this year of the moderating eye of Eric Clapton, the Bunbury reception had reverted to the equivalent of a gratifying alcoholic distillery in the south of France- Sauvignon Blanc was available in abundance from an on tap fountain! Buckingham Suite was certainly transforming into a true Pandora’s Box

of surprises... Broaching the wide angled stairway towards the Bunburys’ extravaganza involved hitching my elaborate flowing dress whilst in motion- for a moment the occasion resembled a scene from a more idyllic Victorian era. In fact, the historical resonance of this evening was actually a very pertinent theme, as the 6th May was also of course General Election night; both expectations and spirits were subsequently running high.

Following a fluent recital of ‘Moondance’ from Damien Flood, Sir Ian took to the stage to introduce the night in context of his role as President of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Ian reflected on his humble beginnings, his love of cricket, football, golf and fishing- he talked too of the motivating elements of competition and challenge that continue to mediate his behaviour. Ian offered his thoughts on what now comprises some 5,000 miles of walking since he first began raising funds for Leukaemia Research in 1985- undoubtedly the challenging discipline needed to fulfilling his onerous schedules has been beneficial to the lives of many childhood Leukaemia sufferers. The survival rate in 1985 for most childhood Leukaemia patients was around 20% and has now increased dramatically to 90% today. In a similar vein to the Bunbury cricket club, Ian has enjoyed a significant amount of success in fundraising and has in total contributed over £12 million to Leukaemia Research through his charity walks.

-For a full report on the Bunburys’ fundraising evening, see special feature by Stephanie Lynne Thorburn on the Bunbury cricket homepage: -

www.bunburycricket.com/pages/warren/articles/art10_walking.html

Related Links: -

Beefy’s ‘Great Forget Me Not Walk’ 2010:

www.beefy25.com/

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research: -

www.llresearch.org.uk/en/1/home.html