Roar! – The Mane Event for Born Free

Anna-Louise was also delighted to attend the Born Free Foundation’s first, in-person  event in three years  when  Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking in  Surrey hosted their gala evening – Roar! – The Mane Event.

Anna-Louise joined Founder Virginia McKenna at the top table, alongside famous lyricist Don Black OBE, who won an Oscar for the song Born Free, and world acclaimed author and friend of Born Free, Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE.

The evening was hosted by Anna-Louise’s fellow Born Free Patrons, actor and conservationist Dan Richardson and TV presenter Gaby Roslin. Other familiar faces in attendance included new Patron Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell OBE. The West End Kids performed a spectacular dance and singing medley from The Lion King, followed by a beautifully sung rendition of Born Free. Anna-Louise said of the evening “It was a surreal but unforgettable moment to hear such a moving performance of the song Born Free in the company of not only Virginia (below left) but also the composer of the piece Don Black! (below right).  It was wonderful to see so many familiar Born Free Friends in person once again, and that was a highlight of the night which  I will treasure.”

Executive President and Co-Founder, Will Travers OBE gave a moving speech, followed by a short film covering Born Free’s magnificent Year of the Lion and the Forever Lions Fund created in honour of his father and Virginia’s husband, the late Bill Travers.

The audience was also treated to a spectacular speech by Virginia McKenna which was riveting, emotional, informative, and engaging. This was followed by an exciting live auction, hosted by celebrity auctioneer and Born Free Patron, James Lewis. All funds raised through this glittering celebration will support the Forever Lions Fund, which will enable Born Free to continue their work to protect lions in the wild and campaign for their welfare in captivity.