A beach volleyball tournament staged by a south coast property finance lender has raised a record £20,000 to help two hospice charities.
This was the third year in a row that MSP Capital has invited fellow businesses to have fun in the sand on Bournemouth beach while supporting Julia’s House and Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
The tournament attracted 32 entries, up from 22 last year and ten in the inaugural event in 2022.
Companies represented included law firms, property developers and consultancies, recruitment specialists, accountants, estate agents, surveyors and internet marketers.
On what was a rainy, grey day, six-a-side teams of women and men competed in ten-minute ‘pool’ matches on four courts, with the top scorers going into a knockout stage.
It culminated in a closely fought final between teams from accounting and consulting firm RSM and MSP Capital itself, a finalist for the second year running.
The knife-edge contest ultimately saw MSP Capital clinch a narrow win with a score of 18-17.
The record £20,000 raised from the competition is being split equally between Dorset-based hospice charities Julia’s House and Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Senior staff and volunteers from both charities attended, offering praise for the event.
Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, which provides vital respite care for families of children with life-limiting conditions, said: “The amount raised is absolutely incredible and will make a massive difference. Only eight per cent of our funding comes from government, so we rely on donation and fundraising days like today.”
Likewise, Fiona Harwood, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Lewis-Manning, said: “As a charity based in Poole, we are so grateful to MSP Capital for the support they provide. The funds raised will go towards the families and patients we look after in our day hospice and our hubs in Bournemouth, Poole and Purbeck. The money will contribute to vital services such as our family support and bereavement teams, clinical services, and complementary therapies. Without support like this, we wouldn’t be able to run our charity. It’s not just the financial side, putting on events like this helps raise awareness of the amazing work that charities do.”
The annual competition is part of MSP Capital’s community commitment and ESG strategy, Foundations for Better Futures.
This is run by an in-house community committee and has a focus on supporting local charities alongside team-wellbeing initiatives and events and educational activities aimed at the property sector.
MSP Capital Joint Managing Director Paul Miracca said: “We set out to ensure this year’s event would be bigger and better than in previous years, with more teams taking part.
“Once again we had a fantastic competition with everyone having lots of fun. The British weather didn’t dampen spirits and the glow of sporting participation and glory will live on in the support the event brings to charity.”
The team captain of finalists RSM also spoke about the fun of the day.
Darren Slater, Accounting and Insight Director at the firm, said: “We thank the organisers for a great day, all for fantastic causes. We were so pleased to get to the final and play against the team that went on to be worthy champions.”
As well as co-ordinating and hosting the overall event, MSP Capital was grandstand sponsor and gifted advertising space to Julia’s House and Lewis-Manning.
The visuals included prominent QR codes so that people on the beach, promenade and pier could find out more about the charities’ work.
Eleanor Collins, event organiser and MSP Capital community committee member, said: “As well as the fun for competitors and spectators, the tournament was a great way for businesses to network with each other and help raise funds for two brilliant local causes.”
As in previous years, beach volleyball specialist Deep Dish helped organise the event and supported MSP Capital on the day with a compere, referees and DJ.
Deep Dish was founded by beach volleyball stars Chris Gregory and Jake Sheaf who have both represented Team England and Team GB at international tournaments and world tour events.
Jake said: “I admire how much MSP Capital do for the charities they work with. Putting this event on is a massive task and they bring a friendly vibe to the venue and everyone involved. There was an amazing atmosphere with everyone so energetic and happy to bond as teams and take part in some really fun sport. And there’s a higher purpose than just beach volleyball, raising significant amounts for their charities.”
Companies and organisations entering teams were: Blake Morgan, Clarke Willmott, Ellis Jones, Frettens LLP, Frost & Co, Imperial Homes, Interpath Advisory, Lester Aldridge LLP, Moore Barlow, MSP Capital, NatWest, Omega RE, Poole Property Club, Porter Dodson Solicitors LLP, Preston Redman, Quay Crew, Quostar, Rubicon, Reflect Group/Pink Rock, Ridge & Partners, RSM, Saffery Champness, Travers, Trethowans, Uprated, Vail Williams, AECOM, Venator, Wellington King, Horde and Baggette & Co.
Founded in 1981, MSP Capital is a principal development and bridging lender, offering solutions for sums up to £20 million.