A MATTER OF TASTE
Lawrence Dallaglio’s Italian love affair…
In many quarters, the word ‘Italy’ in the rugby often provokes connotations of wooden spoons – the country, for a long while, being the whipping boys of the Six Nations.
But silver spoon might be somewhat more appropriate for former England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who is putting sporting rivalries aside in celebrating a renaissance with the Italian tastes and flavours that played such a big part in his upbringing.
Dallaglio’s creation, entitled ‘My Italian Family Cookbook’, is a coming together of memories, ideas and values, and is set to be one of the bestselling food-themed titles of the year.
“I’ve always been passionate about food, a passion which no doubt stems from the Italian culture within my family, and of being around the kitchen from an early age,” says Dallaglio, speaking exclusively to Dare2. “My dad in particular is a great chef and I’ve learned a lot from him.
“I can remember us telling each other over the years about how great it would be to bring out a recipe book, so this is culmination of that dream.”
The book is also a respectful tribute to Lawrence’s mother, Eileen, who passed away in 2008 after losing a long battle against cancer.
“It was very sad to lose my mum but there is a lot of her in the book, and her life and death inspired me to fulfil and achieve things that I’d not managed to up until that point.”
Lawrence set up the Dallaglio Foundation shortly after Eileen passed away, and the organisation works with a variety of charities, mainly those focused on cancer research.
“I organise a number of fundraising events each year, including an annual dinner called 8Rocks which happens in November,” Lawrence continues. “We’ve had two events so far – the first one raised £600,000, and last year’s topped that by bringing in £800,000, which was incredible.
“The events are great fun, but at the same time they deliver a serious message, and are raising vital funds for people whose lives have really been turned inside out by cancer.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the response to the Foundation, which has gone from strength-to-strength since it was founded.”
Its largest project to date has been the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, a bike ride from Rome to Edinburgh via all Six Nations rugby venues.
“The Slam was done to raise money for Sport Relief and five other charities. We cycled from Italy to Scotland in 26 days and our efforts saw £1.6million raised. Aside from the sweat and toil, it was really enjoyable!
“And there are plans for a similar large-scale fundraiser in 2012, though I’m still putting together all the details.
“Ultimately, involvement with charity is the choice of the individual and it’s not for me to say that a certain cross-section of society should do more to raise funds. But what I have learned from my involvement with the Dallaglio Foundation is that the British public are extremely generous and will back good causes. Many celebrities, particularly footballers and film stars, are engaged in work with charities and their involvement is certainly a powerful tool in raising attention and awareness on a national scale.”
And it’s clear that good food and good causes certainly have Dallaglio’s attention at the moment!
- James Evans
