Flintoff leaves the jungle behind to support Luke Wright

Andrew Flintoff (far right) with EMC personnel and guests at the Ashes Preview dinner

EATING bugs, grubs and beetles was just part of what Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff had to go through on his way to being crowned King of the Jungle in Australia’s version of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

So the former England cricket star would have been delighted with the haute cuisine served up when Brighton’s Hotel du Vin hosted an Ashes Preview dinner as part of Sussex cricketer Luke Wright’s benefit year.

Flintoff was a guest at the dinner which was supported by a host of top Sussex business people as well as several of Luke Wright’s county team mates, including ex-England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, and BBC Test Match Special commentator Henry Blofeld.

Luke Wright is using his benefit to raise the profile of three great charities – The Broad Appeal (Motor Neurone); Make a Wish Foundation (granting magical wishes to children with a serious illness); and Sussex County Cricket Club’s own charity, Sussex Cricket in the Community Trust.

Nik Askaroff, EMC’s CEO who is chairing the organising committee for the benefit year, said: “The evening was a tremendous success and raised several thousands of pounds.

“Freddie Flintoff was one of the stars when England won the Ashes in 2005 – who will ever forget the moment he went to shake Brett Lee’s hand after taking the final wicket that won us the match at Edgbaston – so it was tremendous that he was there to give his thoughts on the forthcoming series alongside Luke, Matt, Blowers and others.”

The next event in a busy calendar for Luke Wright’s benefit year is a charities golf day at the East Sussex National on 26 June when one of the world’s greatest ever all-rounders, Sir Gary Sober, will be the VIP guest.

To find out more, visit www.lukewrightbenefit2015.co.uk, email info@lukewrightbenefit2015.co.uk or call 01273 945984.

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