Report by Victoria Benn All pictures by Stephen Garnett

GUESTS at a charity event held to celebrate the career of former rugby international John Spencer, current President of the Rugby Football Union, raised more than £30,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young and Wharfedale RUFC.

John started his rugby career with Wharfedale RUFC in 1964, making his England debut in 1969, before playing another 14 times for them throughout the 1970s.

He was also selected to play for the 1971 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, returning as manager of this year’s very successful Lions tour.

The event, which was held in a marquee in the scenic grounds of Wharfedale RUFC, brought together a stellar sporting line-up, including Sir Ian McGeechan, Bill Beaumont, Ian Robertson, Andy Irvine, Derek Quinnell, David Duckham, Simon Halliday and sports broadcaster John Inverdale – who entertained the assembled 400 guests with their rugby anecdotes and stories. Main sponsors for the event were Skipton Building Society and Pitchero, with audio visuals donated by Simply Better Events.

Organisers have said that a further two items have become available for general auction, with all proceeds going to Cardiac Risk in the Young -

a 'Mascot Experience' for the Barbarians v New Zealand on November 4 this year. This is for two children aged over 5 but under 11 to be mascots for the Barbarians and to accompany the players on to the pitch at Twickenham at the start of the game. The auction lot includes tickets to the match for the two mascots and four accompanying adults, and Barbarians kit for the children, Bids to start at £600.

The second is 'Dinner, Bed and Breakfast' at Grassington House Hotel

in Grassington, a Grade II listed Georgian residence with an award winning restaurant. Bids to start at £175.

To place a bid email bookings@eveningwiththepresident.co.uk with your offer by noon on Saturday September 9. Telephone bids will be accepted on 07753104898 until 5pm on the same date. The result will be confirmed later that day after the home game at Wharfedale RUFC.