The Nick Topping Trust: Cocktail Party
Wednesday 15th February 2017 (6 – 8 pm)
The Nick Topping Trust, in conjunction with SA Legends, is pleased to invite you to a cocktail evening at the Rondebosch Centenary Pavilion from 18.00 – 20.00 hours on Wednesday 15th February to honour Nick’s ‘staying power’ and share an evening with him among old friends.
Nick was a fantastic rugby player in his day, and is still a passionate supporter. Nick maintains that some of his fondest rugby memories were from his time at UCT, where he played for the 1970 Varsity U20 squad with other Ikey rugby greats, including current Club President, Dugald McDonald. After leaving UCT, Nick then went on to play over 60 matches for a very strong and successful Rhodesian side – with a number of former Springboks. Notably, Nick formed an integral part of one of Rhodesia’s strongest squads in the early 80’s, defeating the much vaunted Western Province side of that era.
It is now twenty-six years since Nick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, twenty years since his beloved wife Gail was killed in a car accident and yet he has never once protested about his losses or ever admitted depression! Whilst his health remains a delicate issue, his speech an increasing handicap, he just remains so determined to keep on keeping on!
It promises to be an interesting and moving evening to support Nick, give visibility to the dangers of Parkinson’s for rugby players, have players support players – and give their views on the state of rugby. The event will be filmed by the SA Rugby Legends organisation.
Guest Speaker: SA Legends have generously arranged for Ian McIntosh to attend, who was Nick’s rugby coach for many years. A few other celebrities from the rugby fraternity, including Ray Mordt, have also confirmed their attendance.
A cash bar for spirits and other beverages will be available, snacks will be provided and we are hoping to get the wine sponsored!
Please also feel free to bring along other friends who remember Nick and might enjoy the occasion!
Gita Carroll (SA Legends) will co-ordinate the guest list, so if you are interested in attending, please email Gita on gitaamber@gmail.com or contact her directly at +27(0)82 811 1974.
Supporting A Day in the Life of Brother Nick.
In September, Nick underwent a hospital procedure to replace the ‘battery for his DBS (deep brain stimulator), which is required every two to three years, and the cost of which is out of the park! The Trust wasn’t established to offset medical costs, but as this procedure is only required every 2 to 3 years, we have committed to help raise the shortfall of some R30,000.
If anyone would like to contribute to Nick’s trust fund, here are the details:
Bank details : NEDBANK – Current Account
Account Name : THE NICHOLAS TOPPING TRUST
Account No. : 1055814426
Branch Sort Code : 12500900 (Long Beach Mall, Cape Town)
