Full of sporting legends, the evening helped raise vital funds for the work of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BEHIND THE LENS MEDIA UK
Last night (23 May) Dame Kelly Holmes celebrated the 20th anniversary of her double Olympic Gold medal win in Athens 2004 with her Kelly Holmes Trust Champions Ball. The aim of the evening was to raise vital funds for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. Hosted by Vice News’ Ben Hunte, the evening saw an electrifying performance from Elesha Paul-Moses, who is currently playing Tina Turner in the West End Show Tina: The Musical.
The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust places world-class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people to help equip them with the skills to shape their futures. From improving self-esteem to staying focused, the Trust helps to provide the next generation with the confidence they need to be their best selves.
Featuring powerful messages from the likes of Seb Coe, Olympic Gold medallist heptathlon Dame Denise Lewis, Olympic Gold medallist 400m hurdles Sally Gunnell OBE, and Olympic Gold medallist javelin Tessa Sanderson CBE, the evening was a reminder of the power of passion.
Kelly could not contain her excitement about the evening: “I can’t believe it is a whole 20 years since I crossed the line in Athens and realised I had won my second Gold medal! What a day, what a feeling! All the years of hard work had finally paid off. In so many ways though, it was also just the start of my journey. I have loved every moment of this evening, celebrating that amazing achievement with friends I have made at so many points during my personal journey, and also looking back over the legacy I have created over the past two decades. I can’t wait for the next 20 years – there’s so much more to achieve!”
Other notable guests at the Champions Ball included sporting heroes like Montell Douglas, Jenny Jones, Ama Agbeze MBE, David Clarke OBE, Ellie Kildunne, and James Cracknell OBE.
During a Q&A lead by Sally, Denise and Tessa, Kelly revealed that she will be looking out for Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m and Paralympians Alfie Hewitt and Gordon Reid at this year’s Paris Olympics.
You can find out more about the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust here: damekellyholmestrust.org
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