RUGBY legend Eddie Butler, now the BBC commentator for all Welsh international matches, was among famous guests who dropped in to supported an event for Motor Neurone Disease at the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny.

Sponsored by the cage-fighter turned barrister Phillip Williams of Trinity Chambers – the Monmouthshire man who persuaded Big Brother contestant Alex Reid to support a Monmouth U10 football tournament – the event also saw Warren Gatland, British Lions and Welsh coach and Sir Bryn Terfel, bass-baritone opera and concert singer lend their support to the J9 Foundation three-course dinner and auction. It saw items such as a hospitality box for up to eight people at the Wales v South Africa match in December and a Lions vintage jersey signed by Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams and Barry John go under the hammer.

The aim of the evening was to raise awareness about Motor Neurone Disease and it’s devastating effects on both the patient and their families.