AUSTRALIAN rugby union legend David Campese will be the special guest at a fundraising evening in Newport next month.

The World Cup winner, who represented his country for 15 years and holds the world record for the most tries in a Test match, will speak at Rodney Parade in support of Velindre’s Kilamanjaro Trek with Legends.

The event includes a dinner, raffle and auction and is being organised by Events Room director Mark Shepherd, 38, of Newbridge.

Mr Shepherd, Rhodri Evans and both Shane and Martyn Williams are part of a team of intrepid trekkers aiming to climb the highest free-standing volcano in the world, Mount Kilamanjaro, next year.

Mr Shepherd and Mr Evans, 36, a patent examiner at the Intellectual Property Office, Newport, are raising funds for the Stepping Stones Appeal goes towards lung cancer research at Velindre Cancer Centre.

The pair need to raise £20,000 to take part and have so far raised £6,000.

Andrew Morris, of Velindre Cancer Care Centre, said: “It’s great news that the rugby community are continuing to support cancer patients in Wales; our original Kilamanjaro Captains was a huge success.

“Money raised from the evening will contribute towards our work supporting cancer patients and their families in Wales.”

‘An evening with David Campese’ takes place at the Bisley Suite at Rodney Parade on Friday, October 12. Tickets are £45 or £65 for a VIP ticket and £450 for a table of ten from The Events Room on 0845 108 5690.