A hugely-popular annual rugby lunch raised a record £25,000 for St David’s Hospice Care this year.

The event, organised by Lloyds Bank, heard from former Wales, British Lion, Pontypool player and current BBC broadcaster and programme maker Monmouthshire’s Eddie Butler.

Representatives from Lloyds Bank were given a tour of the hospice in Malpas, Newport, by chief executive Emma Saysell and deputy chief executive ex-Wales rugby international Adrian Hadley.

Rob Barber, Lloyds Bank area director, Cardiff and South East Wales, said: “It’s amazing to see firsthand the tremendous work the team at St David’s Hospice Care does here at the hospice and in the community.

“It’s immensely gratifying to know that the money raised through the annual Lloyds Bank Rugby lunch goes to support such a wonderful cause.”

Emma Saysell said: “The lunch is a highlight of the year for many, who come back year on year, booking their place at the end of one event ready for the next one the following year."

Former Wales and Cardiff wing Adrian Hadley said: “The lunch has grown in stature over the years to be one of the best events of its kind in all Wales. The lunch was packed full this year to hear from Eddie Butler.

“We’re now busy planning next year’s lunch which we have provisionally booked for the last Friday in January 2020 again at Sophia Gardens, a venue which is always excellent and where we are looked after famously.”

There have been 15 annual Lloyds Rugby Lunches during which time around £235,000 has been raised. This has now risen to £260,000 after this year’s record breaking event. Lloyds Bank match funds any money raised at the lunch.

For the last seven years the event has partnered with St David’s Hospice Care.

Adrian said: “We’re indebted to Lloyds Bank for its continued support for what is a very valuable source of funds for our charity enabling us to continue to carry our vital work in the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

For more details about St David’s Hospice Care and the annual Lloyds Bank Rugby Lunch visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org.