Sportschallenge 2017 has been hailed a huge success thanks to the generosity of the North-east business community, raising £55,000 for deserving local causes.
Funds raised at the event will be shared between North East Sensory Services (NESS), Maggie’s Centre and Children’s Aid (Scotland). The charities will each use their donation to improve and support the lives of those who need it most across the region.
NESS is a charity that supports local people with serious sight or hearing loss to help them overcome practical and emotional challenges so that they can lead their lives as independently as possible. Thursday’s event saw Tara Spiers speak on behalf of the charity and her 13 year old daughter, Lorna, who has been supported by NESS for over nine years.
Recently, Lorna travelled independently, on a bus, from her home into the city centre. This is a huge achievement that would not have been possible without the support of NESS’ young person’s service. Sportschallenge will ensure that this vital service will continue to be funded for another year.
Simmons & Co., the principal sponsors of Sportschallenge, has supported Maggie’s Aberdeen since its formation, and this year, came to further appreciate the dedicated support and difference Maggie’s can make as one of their employees was diagnosed with breast cancer.
At the age of 35 and just weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Katherine Andrew was diagnosed with cancer. The support that Katherine is receiving from Maggie’s will be crucial as she faces a decade of planned treatment to fight the disease.
Paula Cormack, centre fundraising manager at Maggie’s Aberdeen, added: “Maggie’s relies entirely on voluntary donations from the local community and fundraising events like Sportschallenge are absolutely vital in ensuring we can continue to offer our unique programme of support to people across the North-east facing the challenges of cancer.
“At Maggie’s people can access the practical, emotional and social support they need to help them through what can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. We are extremely proud and immensely grateful to once again benefit from this event.”
Sportschallenge was hosted by renowned sporting personality Alan McInally; alongside former Liverpool United and Wales national football player Dean Saunders.
Scott Swankie of Blackwood Partners presented the Simmons and Co. team, and captain Gavin Loudfoot, with their Europa League award. Keith Mackie of Power Jacks presented the Champions League award to the team from Bond Dickinson and captain Richard Forgan.
Nick Dalgarno, managing director at Simmons & Co., said: “Sportschallenge has become a popular event in the North-east social calendar and to break a £400,000 fundraising milestone is an inspiring accomplishment.
“The money raised from this year’s event will directly go to support three worthwhile causes that work tirelessly to support the less advantaged of us throughout the region. On their behalf, I’d like to thank the Aberdeen City and Shire business community for their continued support and generosity.”
Main sponsors and host for this years’ Sportschallenge event, Simmons & Co., were also supported by sponsors, CNR International, Power Jacks, Blackwood Partners, Carbon Financial Partners and DNB.
Simmons & Co. team following Europa League win (accredited: Photography by Rhea)