Healthier Illawarra International Men's Day Lunch 2025 featuring Lord Ian Botham OBE

Lord Ian Botham OBE, affectionately known as "Beefy," is one of the greatest and most charismatic players in English cricket history. Botham’s mantra was simple, he played hard on the field and played to win but always shared a drink with his competitors after the match.

A cricket legend renowned for his fierce competitiveness and one of England's most iconic all-rounders, Botham is celebrated for his ability to single-handedly change the course of Test matches and is perhaps the best all-rounder the game has ever seen. In his 102 Test matches, Botham scored 5000 runs, including 14 centuries, took 383 wickets, and 120 catches. In the 1980s, Botham was the only genuine match winner England had in their side.

Botham had an uncanny ability to turn a match single handedly with bat or ball. In the 1981 Ashes series he won two games in such fashion and many began referring to the series as Botham’s Ashes. He earned fame and attention in England, a country that at that time was starved of heroes but Botham always saved his best for his favourite opposition; Australia.

Off the pitch, Botham is a dedicated philanthropist who has raised over £20 million for leukaemia and diabetes charities through his renowned charity walks. A former Sky Sports commentator, Botham is now an accomplished winemaker and serves as a trade envoy between Australia and the UK, promoting business relations. His leadership and passion continue to inspire across industries while continuing his media and charity work in both countries.