Acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Jon Snow will be the guest of honour at a celebrity lunch organised by the Journalists’ Charity, as the organisation’s Midland branch gears-up for a year of high-profile events to celebrate its 150th anniversary year.
The fundraising lunch, takes place at the Holte Suite, Villa Park, on Friday March 28.
Mr Snow served as ITN’s Washington correspondent between 1983 and 1986 and as diplomatic editor between 1986 and 1989, before becoming the main presenter of Channel 4 News.
During his career he has won several RTS awards including “Presenter of the Year”, two for reports from El Salvador and one for his reporting of the Kegworth air disaster.
He also presented the multiple award-winning investigative documentary “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields,” which documented crimes committed in the final days of the Sri Lankan conflict in 2009.
Mr Snow famously declined an OBE because he believes working journalists should not take honours from those they report on.
The Journalists’ Charity celebrity lunch has proved a popular fundraising event over the years, attracting high profile speakers such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Sir Richard Branson, Trevor MacDonald, Richard Littlejohn, Greg Dyke and Kelvin Mackenzie.
Since 1993 the event has raised well over £1 million towards the charity which runs a number of residential and care homes in Dorking, Surrey and provides financial assistance to journalists and their dependants who have fallen upon hard times.
This year the Journalists’ Charity is celebrating its 150th anniversary having been founded by, amongst others, Charles Dickens.
Steve Dann, chairman of the Midlands Group, said: “We are delighted that Jon Snow has agreed to be our special guest and very much hope the Midlands media and business fraternity will support what is always an entertaining and enjoyable occasion.
“There are various opportunities for businesses to sponsor the event and tickets are priced at £450 for a table of ten and £48 for individuals.”
• For further ticket and sponsorship information, contact secretary Val Deeley on 01562 883290 or email val.deeley@live.co.uk.
