Welcome Home Dinner produces night to remember!

22nd September 2011

Richard Parks’ Welcome Home Gala Dinner, held at City Hall last week produced a memorable and special night for guests and Richard as a celebration of his record setting 737 Challenge took place in one of Cardiff’s iconic landmarks.

The night, hosted by TV star Gethin Jones included a silent auction and gala raffle which raised an astonishing £17,395.00 for Richard’s challenge which is raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

After a reception in the Marble Hall, The night kicked off with Gethin Jones introducing a video on the big screen showing the highs and lows of Richard’s incredible 7 month race to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s continents and stand on all 3 poles.  Richard then entered the room to an emotional standing ovation by over 350 guests who showed their appreciation for some minutes before taking their seats again.

Double Olympic Gold medallist rower Steve Williams OBE and Marie Curie Nurse Janet Suart relived their tales of joining Richard on legs of the 737 Challenge and Richard not only looked back on crucial moments in the challenge, including Carstensz Pyramid, Everest,  frostbite, the crevasse fall and Denali, but had dinner guests in fits of laughter with an alternative insight in to expedition life in a special quickfire round.

It was the generosity of guests though that stole the show as all delved deep in to their pockets to bid for some amazing auction and raffle prizes.  Richard’s beloved ice axe used on every leg of his history making challenge was sold for over £5,000 whilst other lucky winners picked up prizes such as a place on the 2012 Kilimanjaro trip which will be led by Richard himself and a host of special gifts.

“Thursday night was really special to me, as it was the first time that everyone involved in the challenge was in the same room at the same time”, stated Richard.

He added; “Celebrating the 737 Challenge in Cardiff City Hall with so many people was just fantastic and I am really proud that people travelled from far and wide to be there, from America, France, Yorkshire, to London and all over Wales, to have so many people make such an effort to be there was the icing on the cake”.

Overwhelmed by the reception he received, he added; “The support I had on the night was really special, it wasn’t just a celebration of the 737 Challenge but the story that lies behind the challenge and for all the people that made it possible for me, from the challenge team to sponsors, friends and family, to all the people who have followed and supported the challenge”.

“I am incredibly grateful to Gethin Jones, Steve Williams and Janet Suart for all contributing to the night and am so overwhelmed that people donated so generously.  The night was another fundraising opportunity for Marie Curie and it’s awesome how generous everyone was raising over £17,000 on the night from the auction and raffle.  This means that the whole evening is set to see us raise over £30,000 which is a phenomenal amount and I can not thank everyone enough”.

All the photos from the evening will be available to view soon on our 737 Challenge picture gallery here at www.737challenge.com