London Wasps RFC

In August 2009, London Wasps named the Dallaglio Foundation as their Official Charity for the next two seasons.

The Foundation, set up earlier this year by Wasps’ legend Lawrence Dallaglio, honours the memory of his mother Eileen who lost her courageous battle with cancer in December.

Motivated by a strong desire to help fight the disease, Lawrence has pledged to support Cancer Research UK which will be the major beneficiary from the new partnership with Wasps.

As part of the new initiative, the Dallaglio Foundation’s logo will be displayed on the back of all Wasps playing and replica shirts – continuing the legendary No 8’s presence on pitch in black and gold. The partnership between the Club and Foundation sees a perfect fit with Lawrence still heavily involved in the Club in his role as Board Director as well as Eileen and the Dallaglio family still very much part of the Wasps legacy.

In its initial stages, the two year affiliation will see the Club help to drive fundraising initiatives through Wasps events and matchdays, whilst raising funds for Cancer Research UK’s work to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

“I enjoyed such a fantastic playing career with Wasps and I’m delighted that they have agreed to support the Foundation,” said Dallaglio. “Their support will be invaluable over the two-year period and I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a really successful partnership for Wasps, the Foundation and Cancer Research UK – it’s the perfect match.

“The death of my mother, from cancer, in December last year provided the catalyst for the Dallaglio Foundation and our first official partner – Cancer Research UK. She was an inspiration to me and believed that everyone should be given the opportunity to shine. When she died I wanted to do something in her memory – something that captured her spirit and encouraged others to share her attitude to life. Her passion for London Wasps makes this partnership even more fitting and I am delighted that I have the support of the Club.”

Wasps Owner Steve Hayes, added, “I think that for everyone involved in the Club there is no greater cause or association for us to partner with. Eileen Dallaglio stood as one of the greatest supporters of Wasps, and of our sport, and I know that we as a Club feel privileged to help honour her memory whilst raising money for a great charity in Cancer Research UK. After many years of fantastic service that Lawrence gave to the Club, I am sure that all Wasps followers will embrace this new partnership and offer their full support.”

Harpal Kumar, the Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said “Cancer Research UK is delighted to be selected as one of the charities who will benefit from the partnership between the Dallaglio Foundation and London Wasps. Our work on the causes and prevention of cancer has saved millions of lives across the world. Over the next decade, with the support from organisations like the Dallaglio Foundation and those at Wasps, we aim to save many more. Together we will beat cancer.”