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Tsunami – the rugby connection

Friday 28th January 2005

Koh Phi Phi Rugby Fund

Inspired by the tragic loss in the Tsunami of Aree Bru, The Koh Phi Phi Rugby Fund has been set up by Gullivers Sports Travel in the name of rugby for people who wish to see their donation going towards a specific project.

Aree, a Thai national, was the wife of Henri Bru. For the past 15 years since he married Aree, Henri has based half of his year in Thailand and half in France.

Whilst they ran their Thai business together, Henri has at the same time become France’s most respected rugby journalist, working on the daily sports paper L’Equipe. 

Their business, Le Grand Blue Restaurant and the Jungle Bar, was completely destroyed in the Tsunami.

The aim of the The Koh Phi Phi Rugby Fund is to provide funds to assist in the redevelopment of Koh Phi Phi as a whole and Henri will advise in how this is administered. 

The fund is not a registered charity because speed is of the essence and with the help of Barclays charges will be kept to an absolute minimum. 

The trustees of the fund are:  Stephen Jones of the Sunday Times, Mick Cleary of the Daily Telegraph and John Hall of Gullivers Sports Travel.

If you would like further information, please click here:  http://www.gulliversports.co.uk/level1.asp?id=49&cat=1&r=Y

John Hall, Chairman of Gullivers, commented that “A lot of people may feel happier sending their donations for a specific area of the vast region that’s been affected.  There is a rugby connection via Henri and Koh Phi Phi and we would like to do whatever we can to assist.”

The fund was kicked off with a £1000 donation from Gullivers Sports Travel and the collection from the Annual Rugby Writers’ Dinner in London on 10th January which raised £3573.74 and €40.

To make a donation to the fund, cheques may be sent via Gullivers Sports Travel, Fiddington Manor, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7BJ or to:

Koh Phi Phi Rugby Fund
Account Number 60076244
Sort Code 20 33 83
Barclays Bank PLC
Corporate Banking Centre
PO Box 119
Park House
Newbrick Road
Stoke Gifford
BRISTOL
BS34 8TN

If you have any queries please call John Hall or Caroline Readings at Gullivers on 01684 293175 or email gullivers@gulliversports.co.uk