Saracens

Saracens and the Hospice of St Francis announce partnership for 2011/12

English champions Saracens are aiming to raise sufficient funds to provide three full-time specialist nurses for the Hospice of St Francis.

The players and coaches of Saracens, winners of the Aviva Premiership title last season, have teamed up with the Hertfordshire based hospice and pledged to raise the cash after fullback Chris Wyles’ mother Jessica was cared for by the hospice earlier this year.

The squad will take part in six sponsored events taking place between July 2011 and June 2012.

They will be plunging 100ft in an abseil in Hemel Hempstead in September and walking across hot coals in a daring fire walk in November.

A sponsored walk is planned for October, a Dame for a Laugh run, with players dressed as dames, a boat race between forwards and backs and a four-rounds-in-one-day golf event are all planned.

Club captain Steve Borthwick said; “We are very privileged to have this opportunity and we are hugely supportive of the work of the Hospice of St Francis, particularly since they helped the Wyles family. We are calling upon our supporters to join us in backing this fantastic cause.”

Hospice of St Francis chief executive Dr Ros Taylor said: “This is a truly remarkable opportunity and we are extremely grateful to the Saracens for their commitment. The money Saracens and their supporters raise will ensure that even more people from the area receive our care and support as a result of this partnership.”

Saracens and Hospice of St Francis sponsorship events

Tuesday 8th November – Firewalk at Old Albanians RFC

Over 100 of our players and staff have signed up for this challenge. The ancient practice of firewalking is traditionally used as a rite of passage and in this case will test which of our Saracens team can pluck up the courage to walk barefoot over a 12ft long bed of hot embers.

March 2012 – Boat Race – Forwards v Backs on the Thames

The Thames is used to staging the historical Oxford v Cambridge boat race every year, but Saracens will put their own spin on the event when they stage a forwards v backs event. Watch this space for more information in the near future.

Sunday 25h March – Sponsored Walk – Old Albanians RFC to Brocket Hall

The sponsored walk provides a great opportunity for those of you to join the players on a leisurely walk from the Saracens Training Centre to Brocket Hall. Watch this space for more information on the event and application forms in the near future.

Saturday 1st April – Dame for a Laugh – Hemel Hempstead Town Centre

This Drag Race is certainly not one you are going to want to miss! You may not be able to recognise some the players in their fancy dress outfits, but you can be sure they will be giving it their all in what should be an amusing event! Watch this space for more information.

Thursday 21st June – Four Rounds of Golf in a Day

Like with many things in life, we have of course saved the best until last! For those of you golf fans, this is an exclusive opportunity for you and a partner to play in a fourball with two of our Sarries players on not just one, but four local courses! This 72-hole Golf day should certainly be a considerable challenge, and for those of you who are worried about not being able to make it round, rest assured, buggy’s will be compulsory! More information to follow.