MPs Batter the Lords and the media to Toss Their Way to Victory in Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race
Pictured: The winning MP's team members Brian Iddon MP, Mark Harper MP, Betty Williams MP and Stephen Pound MP.
The MPs team was today crowned champions at the annual Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race. The race, which was sponsored by British Lion eggs, was held outside the Houses of Parliament and was officially started by chef, restaurateur and author Gary Rhodes, who ensured fair play all round.
The event is organised every year by the charity Rehab which provides a range of services in England and Scotland for people with disabilities and others who wish to maximise their opportunities and develop their skills and talents.
The race saw MPs, Lords and political correspondents race with pancake-laden frying pans around a challenging circuit laid out in Victoria Tower Gardens, in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament.
The MPs team was determined to beat the Lords who triumphed in 2009. The victorious MPs team comprised Brian Iddon MP (Lab), Mark Harper MP (Con) and Stephen Pound MP (Lab).
Gary Rhodes said: "I must congratulate the MPs team who put in a fantastic effort to become the 2010 Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race Champions. I had thought managing a kitchen was a challenge but it was nothing compared with overseeing the MPs, Lords and political correspondents racing round flipping pancakes and ensuring that everything didn't end up a complete dog's dinner."
Speaking following their win, Brian Iddon MP commented: "It was another great race and we are delighted to be taking the trophy. Of course, we're just pleased to play our part in supporting the work that Rehab does for people across the country and in highlighting the really important issue of disability and how we help support people in achieving their goals and in fulfilling their potential."
The race is always well attended as MPs and Lords from all parties support the life-changing services provided by Rehab to almost 50,000 people in England and Scotland each year. Rehab provides care, rehabilitation, training and employment services to people living with brain injury, mental health issues and a wide range of disabilities, as well as people looking for support in gaining skills and job-seeking.
Angela Kerins, Chief Executive of Rehab said: "The annual Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race, supported by our loyal sponsors British Lion eggs, is always fiercely competitive and this year was no different. I congratulate not only the winning team, but each of the participants who have taken part, for their sense of fun and willingness to get involved in this quirky event. The race is extremely important to Rehab as it provides not only an opportunity to raise valuable funds but also awareness of Rehab's work with members of the Houses of Parliament and the wider public."
The Rehab Group in the UK delivers its services through a number of organisations including Momentum and The Chaseley Trust. Momentum is a first-class provider of rehabilitation, training and care services for people with disabilities and others who face economic and social exclusion. The Chaseley Trust operates a residential nursing home in Eastbourne for up to 55 people with severe physical disabilities, along with a separate fully-supported independent living community nearby.
The Lords team included Lord Addington, Lord Dubs, Lord McNally and Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer. The Media team included Reeta Chakrabarti from the BBC, Gary Gibbon from Channel 4, Sara Mojojtehedzadeh from Sky News, Libby Weiner from ITN and Allegra Straton from The Guardian.
Chef Gary Rhodes to Rally MPs and Lords in Parliamentary Pancake Race Spectacular
Momentum's parent organisation, Rehab, has today revealed that renowned chef, Gary Rhodes, is to take on the coveted mantle of Official Starter of the Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race, taking place on February 9th in Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster, London. The event, sponsored by British Lion eggs, is taking place as an advance celebration of Shrove Tuesday.
The race sees MPs, Lords and members of the media run in a pancake-flipping frenzy to secure the glory of making it first past the finish line and is all about raising awareness of Rehab's work with disabled and excluded people across the country. Members of the public are being encouraged to turn up at 10.15am on the morning to cheer on their favourite team.
Gary joins an illustrious list of Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race Official Starters, which includes Clive Anderson and Mary Nightingale. Gary's connection to Rehab's work is perhaps even more personal, given that he required brain surgery following a vehicle accident early in his career. Rehab is well known for providing leading brain injury services in England, Scotland and Ireland.
As the Official Starter, Gary will make sure that contestants play fair and observe the official rules of engagement, which require MPs and Lords to flip pancakes all the way around the course! Last year saw the Lords team steal the limelight from the media team's Nick Robinson of the BBC on the last stretch, so with the stakes never higher, Gary will have to pay attention to ensure that the rules are very strictly enforced and that everyone plays by the book.
Gary said: "I can't wait to see all the MPs, Lords and media teams at the starting line ready for the ultimate battle. I'm sure there will be smiles all round but as soon as that whistle blows I expect there to be stiff competition - especially as the Lords will be eager to retain their title. I'm delighted to play my part in highlighting the really valuable work Rehab does for people across the country."
Angela Kerins, Rehab's chief executive, commented: "Rehab is delighted to have Gary Rhodes start the Parliamentary Pancake Race for us this year and it seems very fitting to have a chef in charge. Under Gary's watchful eye, we are really looking forward to what promises to be a spirited and closely-fought event and to seeing who will reign supreme in this year's much-anticipated race.
"Of course behind the flipping pancakes is the serious message about raising awareness of Rehab so we can continue to support so many people. We are thankful to the MPs, Lords, and members of the media and, also to race sponsors British Lion eggs, for their participation and constant support."
