From L - R: Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, England Women’s Hockey Captain; Eleanor Garnier; BBC Political Correspondent and ex-England lacrosse player; Charlotte Edwards CBE, Former Captain of the Women’s England Cricket team; and Gill Burns MBE, former captain of Women’s England Rugby team)

With little over a month until the UK’s largest elite women’s sporting event this year, the FIL Rathbones Women’s Lacrosse World Cup, Rathbone Investment Management hosted three world title winning British sportswomen and Eleanor Garnier, BBC Political Correspondent and ex-England lacrosse player, for a celebration of women in sport.

Rathbone Investment Management was joined by Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, England Women’s Hockey Captain, Team GB Hockey Captain and Olympic Gold Medallist; Charlotte Edwards CBE, Former Captain of the Women’s England Cricket team; and Gill Burns MBE, former captain of Women’s England Rugby team and winner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 1994.

The sporting icons met with the captains of the home nation lacrosse teams earlier in the afternoon, to share their experiences and answer questions from the captains who are putting together their final preparations before the World Cup. This was followed by a drinks reception and open Q&A session, where the three ambassadors offered their insight on what it takes to excel in sport as both a player and a leader, their views on the sports industry and how to further increase participation of women in sport. Attending the evening were representatives from Sport England, Women in Sport, Women’s Sport Trust and other key organisations focussed on the issues challenging women in sport.

Laura Coleman, Partnerships Manager, Rathbone Investment Management commenting on the evening said: “It was a real pleasure to host an evening celebrating women in sport and hearing the stories of some of the most inspirational women in UK sport. Participation in sport provides not just health benefits, but also supports the development of crucial qualities, such as team work, resilience and determination. Skills that are not only beneficial in sport, but all areas of life.

“Rathbones has been a sponsor of lacrosse in the UK for over five years. During this time we have seen the sport go from strength to strength and we are proud to have been a part of that journey. The countdown is now on to the FIL Rathbones Lacrosse World Cup which will be a wonderful opportunity to highlight women’s sport. We will be fully behind the home nations taking part and wish all those competing the best of luck.”