Courage in the face of adversity

Robby Nimmo For most school leavers, the ‘gap year’ is about travel, random jobs, and diving into life full throttle. Squeezed between years of study at high school and the rigours of university, the gap widens to a chasm of adventure … a year of delicious possibilities; a cocktail of hedonism, new places and friendships. […]

Rob Naylor’s “Run for Ben”, 2 September 2011

Hong Kong rugby legend Rob “Junior” Naylor ran the 100km Australian Kimberleys Ultramarathon on 2nd September in aid of the Ben Kende Foundation www.kimberleyultramarathon.com As Rob says, “For those of you who know Ben or have been in anyway been associated with him know that he has become an inspiration to many and especially me! […]

Y Rock Youth Concert Hong Kong August 29 2011

This fantastic youth concert was held at the Hard Rock Café in Hong Kong August 29, 2011. Organized by Belinda at Y Rock, the kids staged an afternoon of music and entertainment with music written by themselves and some other popular tunes.

Jenny’s Diary 2010-2011

While playing in the Under 20’s rugby tournament in Bangkok, Ben has suffered a serious spinal cord injury while pulling out of a ruck after a simple tackle, where a member of the opposing team tripped on him  The neurosurgeon put him in traction and gave him steroids immediately after the surgery. Three days later […]

Legends of Rugby Dinner, Sydney 2011

Some of the leading lights of the Rugby world gathered at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Newport to support Ben, with master of ceremonies Tim Shaw. Sean Maloney, Rugby Producer/Reporter for Fox Sports interviewed Australia’s most capped Wallaby Fullback Matt Burke and renowned Australian Wallaby Coach Robbie Deans. The theme of the evening was […]

Poignant moment as championship opens

Alvin Sallay alvin.sallay@scmp.com It will be a poignant moment when Jack Capon leads Hong Kong out for their opening game against Thailand in the under-20 Asian championship at Hong Kong Football Club this evening. Skipper and No8 Capon, and at least nine other players in the squad, were part of the team who took part […]

Boxing Dinner – Disney Hotel, Hong Kong

June 4, from 6.30pm, Disney Hotel, Proceeds go to Operation Breakthrough, Angels for Orphans, HK Air Cadet Corps and the HKRFU Charitable Fund for injured players (Ben Kende Foundation). Tickets are $1,000. Contact: Robbie@cyberec.com  

Great Wall Marathon by Adam Wooliscroft

May 2011 Adam broke his neck while Ben was in hospital in Hong Kong in 2010, but survived to come in 15th place in the marathon, raising funds for Ben’s foundation as well as spinal research. A big thanks to Adam for all his help and efforts. Congratulations!

Bonhams Auction Dinner – Island Shangri-la Hotel, Hong Kong

On May 23, 2011  a small private event,  sponsored by Bonhams, was  held at the Island Shangri-la Hotel Hong Kong. Superb artefacts and rugby memorabilia were auctioned at a stunning event, accompanied by delightful opera singing.

All Day Touch-Rugby Game – Leys School, Cambridge, UK

  The Leys School Cambridge held an all day touch-rugby game. The boys played for the Ben Kende Foundation for 12 straight hours. Organized by Christopher Tausche.