The Road to Wembley revisited as Newcastle United’s Graeme Jones and Kieran Trippier show their support for St Oswald’s Hospice

A special celebration event in support of St Oswald’s Hospice was held at Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza hotel on Friday 11th July, featuring appearances by hospice ambassadors Graeme Jones and Kieran Trippier.

‘Quality time with Jones & Trippier: The Road to Wembley’  saw over 200 guests come together to relive Newcastle United’s triumphant Carabao Cup campaign, leading to their first domestic trophy win since 1955.

Newcastle United Assistant Head Coach Graeme Jones and footballer Kieran Trippier, in conversation with host Chris Storey looked back on team’s journey, from early group stages, right through to the final match against Liverpool FC March, where the Toon Army emerged victorious.

The evening was organised to raise funds to support St Oswald’s Hospice, and the atmosphere as guests arrived was electric, with the Carabao Cup proudly on display for people to be photographed alongside.

As the night got underway, Graeme and Kieran were welcomed into the room with a fantastic flag display by Wor Flags, and the song Local Hero was played as they took to their seats. What followed was a very memorable evening, starting with some fun with an icebreaker game, ‘Red Card, Yellow Card’ which took on a football theme.

St Oswald’s Hospice Chief Executive Steph Edusei then shared some of the ways that the charity supports local people, illustrated by a video highlighting the work of the hospice’s Focus on Living Centre. Angela Egdell, Director of Care Services took a moment to  shine a light on the behind the scenes work Graeme and Kieran do with patients and families at the hospice, thanking them for their valuable contributions and the difference it makes.

After dinner, Graeme and Kieran took to the stage, in conversation with Chris Storey, and took everyone through their ‘Road to Wembley’ journey, giving insights and recalling memories of a very eventful season, culminating in the team lifting the cup, which both men said was a real career highlight.

Next up was an auction with prizes up for grabs including tickets to enjoy a match in Kieran Trippier’s own box, signed football shirts and boots and the chance for a child to experience being a NUFC mascot for the day! Once these were all sold, it was time to announce the total raised on the night. There was a huge round of applause when it was revealed that after costs are taken off, a massive £40,000 was raised to support the patients and families as St Oswald’s Hospice.

St Oswald’s Hospice Chief Executive, Steph Edusei said:

“I can’t say thank you enough to Graeme, his wife Debbie, and Kieran for making this unique event happen.

“We were delighted to have Graeme and Kieran as our Hospice Ambassadors and it was a real privilege to hear their own personal memories into what has been such an incredible season for Newcastle United fans. There was so much passion and excitement in the room, and I really hope our guests enjoyed it as much as I did.

“On behalf of everyone at St Oswald’s Hospice, I wish Graeme, Kieran and Newcastle United the very best of luck this season.”

Thank you to all our guests for getting dressed up and joining us. You can view a gallery of photos here.

Special thanks to Graeme and Debbie Jones, Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United, Chris Storey, Event Headline Sponsor Deal Direct Blinds, Event Supporters The Crowne Plaza Hotel and Big Purple Productions, and Wor Flags.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so via this link St Oswald’s Hospice: The Road to Wembley – Quality Time with Jones & Trippier.