Stonewall fundraiser at London's Dorchester Hotel

19/04/2010 13:10:17

Stonewall's annual Equality dinner at London's Dorchester Hotel last night was very well attended by celebraties and politicians.

The fundraising event raised a record 366,000 pounds towards the charity's gay equality campaigns.

They had a special theme for the night which was homophobia in sport and the need for more openly gay sportspeople as role models.

Tennis champion Martina Navratilova spoke about being one of the only out lesbians in sport for years, while rugby player Gareth Thomas spoke about just coming out.

Navratilova is currently having treatment for breast cancer.

Thomas said that he was very honoured to be able to speak about such an amazing charity. He went on to say that his parents were there with him and that it was the first time he had asked them to support him publicly.

Six months ago he thought that he wouldn't have the strength to come out but he did it and now he said he felt stronger than ever.

The hostess was Amy Lamé and the celbraty auctioneer was Christopher Biggins. Guests included: Sarah Walters, Sir Ian Mckellan, Harriet Harman MP, peers and ministers.