Ray Parlour steals show as Hampshire gala nets £85,000 for charity
Arsenal Invincibles legend Ray Parlour captivated guests with tales from his playing days as a Hampshire gala raised £85,000 for the Lewis Moody Foundation. The event, hosted by former England rugby star Kyran Bracken, drew top business figures from across the region.
A Hampshire gala headlined by Arsenal’s 2004 ‘Invincibles’ midfielder Ray Parlour raised £85,000 for the Lewis Moody Foundation, a charity supporting people with neurological conditions.
The glittering event, held on Wednesday at the Utilita Bowl in Portsmouth, featured Parlour regaling guests with unfiltered stories from his 13-year Arsenal career, including his role in the club’s unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League season. Former England rugby international Kyran Bracken MBE, a co-host of the evening, described Parlour as an “outstanding guest” whose presence drew sustained applause.
Key Points
- ✅ Ray Parlour headlined a charity gala at the Utilita Bowl
- ⚡ £85,000 raised for the Lewis Moody Foundation
- 💡 Former England rugby star Kyran Bracken co-hosted the event
The gala was organised by Southern Sporting Clubs, a charity network founded by the late England rugby legend David Duckham MBE and his wife Jean. Bracken has continued their legacy, using sporting ties to mobilise Hampshire’s business community for charitable causes.
| Role | Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Guest of Honour | Ray Parlour | Arsenal Invincibles |
| Co-Host | Kyran Bracken MBE | Former England Rugby |
| Sponsor | Aura Technology | Technology firm |
Auction items included a signed Arsenal shirt worn by Parlour during his 2003 FA Cup final victory and a golf day with Bracken. Tim Walker, managing director of Aura Technology, called the evening “a privilege to sponsor” and praised Parlour’s status as a “genuine football legend.”
💡 Pro Tip
Charity galas thrive when headliners connect emotionally with the audience—personal anecdotes from a player’s career often raise more than signed memorabilia alone.
Southern Sporting Clubs’ mission extends beyond fundraising; it fosters collaboration between sports professionals, local businesses and health charities across Hampshire. The organisation has raised over £500,000 since its inception.
📋 By The Numbers
- 13 years — Parlour’s tenure at Arsenal
- 2004 — Year Arsenal completed their unbeaten Premier League season
- 4 — Number of charities supported by Southern Sporting Clubs this year
Bracken confirmed the Lewis Moody Foundation, which supports neurological rehabilitation, was selected for its impact in Hampshire. The charity’s founder, former England captain Lewis Moody, attended the event and thanked donors for their generosity.