Graeme Souness helps raise £30,000 for rare skin disease charity with star-studded dinner at The Mutton

Football legend Graeme Souness joined guests at The Mutton in Hazeley Heath, Hampshire last Thursday for a fundraising dinner that raised £30,000 in aid of DEBRA, the national charity supporting individuals with epidermolysis bullosa. The event, hosted by the much celebrated family-run country pub, aimed to fund vital research and specialist care for those affected by the rare and painful genetic disorder. EB is a life-limiting condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. With no known cure, DEBRA funds research into treatments and provides care and support for those affected.

The evening brought together supporters, football personalities and local residents for a three-course dinner prepared by head chef Rob Boer. The menu included dishes such as Smoked Salmon Crumpet with Cucumber Chutney and Honey Roasted Chicken with Waterloo Cheese Sauce, Broccoli and Pommes Dauphine. The Mutton, located in a restored former post office, has established itself as a notable dining destination in the region. It was named South East Pub of the Year at the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards and holds two AA Rosettes.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that the evening was such a success and that we were able to raise so much for DEBRA,” said The Taylor family, owners of the pub. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to Graeme and Ady for hosting the evening, to our amazing staff, our generous suppliers and to everyone who joined and donated – we couldn’t have done it without you all.”

BBC Radio Berkshire presenter and former footballer Ady Williams led the evening’s proceedings, which featured an auction and raffle. Items to bid on included a five-night holiday to Barbados, a safari experience, ringside tickets to DEBRA’s Fight Night, and personalised artwork by local artists Autistic Ian and Ingrid Berry. Souness, who serves as a vice president of the charity, shared personal reflections on his involvement with the charity. 

Kate Guy, of DEBRA, expressed gratitude for the success of the occasion: “We are so grateful for the generosity and dedication shown by the Taylor family and their guests,” she said. “The incredible amount raised is a testament to their hard work and the kindness of everyone who came together to support the event. This support means the world to us and will help make a difference to the lives of people living with EB.”

Food Desk

For further information about DEBRA and epidermolysis, visit the charity’s website here.

To book a table at The Mutton, Hazeley Heath, Hook, Hampshire RG27 8NB, call 01252 221090 or visit their website here.