We’re excited to share that Gloucester Rugby (and England) legend Billy Twelvetrees is hosting his testimonial year with Gloucester Rugby, starting in November, and has named Winston’s Wish as one of his benefitting charities.

Billy joined Gloucester Rugby in 2012 and has since made an impressive 235 appearances for The Club. The decision for him to host has been met with excitement and celebration among both the committee and team. The year ahead will include a host of events and celebrations to honour Billy’s exceptional achievements and decade long dedication to The Club, including a Gloucester Rugby testimonial game at Kingsholm next February.

Russell Marchant, committee chair at Gloucester said: “We are so pleased for Billy to receive this year from his club after 10 years of commitment and hard service. Richly deserved and with rugby returning in force it will be a time to celebrate indeed. The testimonial committee is planning a range of differing events for all rugby fans and more details will be revealed next month as planning progresses. We hope the Gloucestershire business and rugby community get behind Billy’s year and support him, as a true Kingsholm favourite.

Reacting to the announcement of his special year, Billy said:

“To be awarded a testimonial at a club like Gloucester is truly overwhelming and exciting. The list of Gloucester legends that I follow is amazing and something I never thought would happen. I am deeply honoured to be part of this special club for the last 10 years, which has been mine, and my family’s ‘holm’, with some great memories. Thank you to the committee for your amazing work in putting it together. I look forward to celebrating this year with all rugby fans and I hope to see you all soon.”

In addition, Billy has chosen Winston’s Wish, along with The Pied Piper Appeal (who work to make a difference for sick and disabled children in Gloucestershire), as his benefitting charities, meaning that Winston’s Wish will be proudly involved with events throughout the year as part of the exciting partnership.

An exciting launch event took place on the evening of 10th November at Phil Vickery’s No 3 restaurant in Cheltenham with many members of Gloucester Rugby in attendance to celebrate the announcement, along with Winston’s Wish staff.

There are more events yet to be announced in the year ahead, but already in the calendar are a Ladies Night, Question of Sport quiz evening, a business Leadership Lunch with high profile guest speakers and a Golf Day, concluding with a Celebration Dinner in September.

Speaking about the partnership, Nigel Purveur, Chair of Trustees at Winston’s Wish, said:

“We are delighted that Billy and his family have chosen Winston’s Wish as a beneficiary charity for his testimonial year.  We hope that you will join us in celebrating his remarkable achievements at one of the special events and exciting activities throughout the year.”

You can find out more and stay up to date with Billy’s testimonial here and look out for further announcements on the Winston’s Wish website and social media channels.