We’re proud to announce that Willow has been selected by the Cross Sports Book Awards as its charity partner for the ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday 1 June.
The Cross Sports Book Awards is the major annual promotion for Sports Writing and Publishing. The awards exist to highlight the most outstanding sports books of the previous calendar year and give awards to the best literature across the sporting spectrum.
In all, there will be 12 prizes awarded at Cross Sports Book Awards at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 1 June including the hotly contested Autobiography of the Year, which features a broad range of sporting talent including Steven Gerrard and AP McCoy.
Awarded on the evening are Biography of the Year and Outstanding Sports Writing with awards also being given for Rugby, Football, Cricket and Cycling. The evening is also being filmed for Sky Sports which will be broadcast across the weekend of 4-5 June.
On the night, guests will hear from our very own Bob Wilson about founding Willow together with his wife Megs in 1999. Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. Anna’s love of life and the enriching experiences of her own Special Days were the charity’s inspiration. Pledges made by guests at the Book Awards will raise valuable funds for the charity.
Bob, who made 308 first-team appearances for the Gunners, said:
“Megs and I are truly honoured that Willow has been selected as the charity of choice by the Cross Sports Book Awards. Sport, in particular football, is very close to our heart at Willow. Thanks to the support from many individuals and organisations from the UK’s sporting community we have been able to provide many Special Days for sports fans. It is a privilege to be involved in such a prestigious event, and the funds raised on the night will help Willow continue to provide life-affirming experiences that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it’s needed most.”
Among the celebrities invited to the awards, which will be hosted by Mike Wedderburn and Alison Mitchell, are Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Brian Moore, Sir Anthony McCoy, Nigel Mansell, Steve Davis and Max Mosley.