The James Skeens Memorial Dinner attracted 400 guests including 17 rugby legends from England, Wales and New Zealand to Twickenham Stadium in July.

A champagne reception in the Live Room in the impressive new South Stand was followed by dinner in the Rose Suite as funds were raised for the family of James Skeens, a 29-year-old community rugby coach in Surrey who passed away earlier this year after a courageous battle against cancer.

All the legends - who included England team manager Martin Johnson, former England captain Will Carling and All Black greats Sean Fitzpatrick and Zinzan Brooke - had given their time free for the cause.

The guests ranged from corporate groups to rugby fans to James' family and friends, his local clubs and RFU and Surrey Rugby colleagues.

The demand for tickets and the buzz around the room were testament to James's impact on his immediate rugby community and indeed on the wider game.

The purpose of the night was clear: to raise as much money as possible for the future of James's one-year-old son, Oliver.

To ensure that James's family has a secure future, the Oliver Morgan Skeens Trust has been set up.

The organisers were honoured to have James's wife, Jeanette and the rest of his family present for the evening (and Ollie in a pram with ear protectors on!).

The home of England Rugby was the perfect setting to host such an occasion.

Each legend signed specially designed leather match balls which adorned each table and were later sold off to the highest bidder on each table; just one of the many fundraising opportunities on the night.

The legends hosted some of the tables, and regaled their guests with interesting tales during an entertaining Q and A session.

The fundraising activities included Heads & Tails, a raffle, board auction and the main activity of the night, the floor auction.

All prizes and auction items had been donated, and the organisers thanked the many donors for their huge generosity.

The biggest item of the night - a lunch for four hosted by England heroes Lawrence Dallaglio and Jason Leonard - started a bidding war, and ended up raising a whopping £3000 for the Oliver Morgan Skeens Trust.

The fundraising was complemented by an excellent meal provided by Twickenham Experience Ltd, and the smooth running of the evening was assisted by hostesses from the Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club.

After the main auction, the guests danced the night away to the tunes of the All Beats, a superb cover band.

An estimated sum of more than £34,000 was raised, all of which will go to the Oliver Morgan Skeens Trust.

Martin Johnson said: "The James Skeens memorial dinner was a very fitting tribute to a great guy and like everyone else involved in the evening I'm delighted that so much money was raised for Oliver."

Jo Martin, Surrey rugby development officer, said: "All in all, it was a night we will always remember.

"Our huge thanks go to everyone who helped us with the event and who gave up their time, money and energy to make this the incredible night that it was."

Any one who was unable to attend the event, but wishes to make a contribution, can do so direct to the Trust:

BACS donations - To make a direct donation, please send your payments to:

Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, Hanover Square

Account name: Oliver Morgan Skeens Trust

Account no: 01395578

Sort code: 30 93 84

Cheque donations Please make cheques payable to 'Oliver Morgan Skeens Trust' and post to: 87 Sunnyhill Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1TA.