v THE HERALD - Your Community Magazine v 8th January 2026 • The HERALD • Page 59 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Cricket & ‘Strictly’ Legend Mark Ramprakash Headlines Dinner Raising £15,000 For MND Cause A glittering dinner hosted by Southern Sporting Clubs, and sponsored by Hampshire based IT business Aura Technology, raised £15,000 for the fundraising appeal linked to top ight rugby star Lewis Moody, following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease. Organised and hosted by England rugby legend Kyran Bracken, the event welcomed business leaders from across the region, o ering a unique opportunity to meet one of Britain’s most accomplished sportsmen – former England cricketer and 2006 winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Mark Ramprakash. Speaking to the audience, Mark recounted highlights from an extraordinary career that saw him score more than 35,000 rst-class runs and achieve 114 centuries – a tally that places him among the most proli c run scorers in the history of the game. He also spoke with warmth and humour about his journey on Strictly Come Dancing, which brought him wider public acclaim. Funds were raised via donations on the night and an auction featuring signed cricket bats and balls, alongside signed British & Irish Lions Rugby jerseys – all generously donated by former sports stars. All proceeds will support the fundraising e orts for the Lewis Moody appeal, established to assist Lewis and his family as they face the challenges of his diagnosis. Aura Technology’s Managing Director, Tim Walker, commented: “I’m proud to be able to support this. Having met Kyran recently, and being a huge fan of both rugby and cricket, I recognised this as a fantastic opportunity for businesspeople from across the region to mix with peak performance athletes and understand both what they have achieved, and how.” Kyran Bracken MBE, organiser of Southern Sporting Clubs added: “This was a fantastic night for a great cause. I’m thankful to everyone who attended the evening and supported it, including Aura Technology as headline sponsor.” Southern Sporting Clubs was originally established by former England rugby great David Duckham MBE, who, along with his wife, brought together communities and sporting celebrities to celebrate athletic success. With David’s passing, Kyran has stepped in to build on the foundations laid by the Duckhams, continuing the mission to unite the sporting and business communities in support of good causes. Southern Sporting Clubs will return to the Utilita Bowl on 15th May with legendary Arsenal mid elder Ray Parlour. Mark Ramprakash
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