Gloucester stalwart Billy Twelvetrees is dedicating his testimonial fixture to the 4Ed campaign - in addition to charities Pied Piper Appeal and Winston’s Wish.Billy’s Allstars will take on the Classic Lions on Saturday 3 September at Kingsholm Stadium, with both teams featuring a guest appearance from Ed.Ed was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in July following six months of testing.
The former Gloucester and Leicester lock has immediately sought to raise awareness of the disease - while also raising vital funds to support his family and treatment - taking on his first fundraising challenge less than three weeks after announcing his diagnosis.Launching the 4Ed campaign earlier this month, Ed and nine of his former teammates as well as friends and family undertook the gruelling task of cycling from Kingsholm to Twickenham, via Mattioli Woods Welford Road and Milton Keynes RFC.
Over three days, Ed and his fellow cyclists - including Billy – travelled more than 350+ miles, raising over £70,000 for the 4Ed campaign.Charlie Sharples and Jim Hamilton, who also completed the epic journey, will join Billy in the Allstars team on Saturday 3 September alongside Matt Banahan, Jordon Crane, Ollie Morgan - amongst other notable names. On the other side of the field, Gloucester and England legend Phil Vickery will lead the Classic Lions, joining former internationals including Adam Jones, James Hook, Lee Mears, Delon Armitage and Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu and more.
Billy is hoping to continue adding to the funds raised through the 4Ed cycle, donating a percentage of ticket sales from his testimonial to the campaign, alongside Pied Piper Appeal and Winston’s Wish.
“He's been my captain, he's been my teammate, he's been a leader, got engaged, married, and had kids around me and my family. I want to do my best to get as much money raised for this guy because he is a legend” commented Billy.
Responding to the announcement, Slater said: “It's an incredible gesture from Billy; a real mark of the man that I've known for a long time now. He's had a fantastic career and everyone at this club adores him.
“Hopefully I can get 10 minutes on the pitch. I’m not too sure what that will look like but it's an incredible opportunity for me.”
Tickets for Billy Twelvetrees Allstars vs Classic Lions are available here, at just £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Coming to our pre-season game against Cardiff? Match ticket purchasers can save £5 by buying a package to attend both fixtures.
Click here to claim your discount!
Testimonial pre-match hospitality in the newly-named Captain’s Lounge is available at £75+vat per seat. Boxes are also available in the Malvern Tyres Stand for 12 people with food for £1200 or a discounted rate for box holders. Email [email protected] to book.
Plus, we will be holding an exciting auction selling off the players’ game shirts at 6.30pm!
