Paddling lawyers raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

NEWS

Paddling lawyers raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

Aaron & Partners staff braved the waters of the River Severn in support of Macmillan at this year’s Coracle World Championship.

Hundreds of pounds were raised for the charity as leading Shrewsbury law firm Aaron & Partners participated in the Coracle World Championship.

Staff from leading Shrewsbury law firm Aaron & Partners braved the waters of the River Severn in support of cancer charity, Macmillan, at this year’s Coracle World Championship.

The event saw the four-strong Alice in Wonderland-inspired ‘Aarons in Wonderland’ team paddle bravely in the annual relay race, which returned after a two-year COVID-enforced break, raising over £565 in sponsorship.

Trish Randles, a Real Estate Partner at the firm, boosted the fundraising effort after supplying colleagues and clients with bags of homemade dog biscuits, adding another £150 to the final total.

With 48 teams consisting of four people each, the annual fundraiser makes a significant contribution to Macmillan’s work across the UK and attracted plenty of spectators on its return this year.

During the event, every team must paddle a traditional coracle boat, in a relay race across the river, with the winners crowned world champions.

Stuart Haynes, who heads up the Shrewsbury office at Aaron & Partners, said: “The Macmillan Coracle World Championship is an excellent way to raise money for a very good cause, but it’s also great fun for competitors as well as spectators.

“As a law firm with a focus on supporting our local community, we are proud to be involved in the event and have competed many times now. Our staff really enjoy taking part and it was fantastic to see so many teams getting involved and turning out to support the charity.”

Zoe Lloyd, an Associate in the Corporate and Commercial team; Lauren Sanders, a Paralegal in the Family team; Phoebe Bishton, a Paralegal in the Corporate and Commercial team, and Jonny Edwards, Marketing Manager at the firm, made up the ‘Aarons in Wonderland’ team who took part in the race.

Despite taking an early lead in their heat, unfortunately, any chances of victory were scuppered during the first relay when one of the team was accidentally bumped off their raft and into the water by another competitor.

“This event is all about having fun so despite us not coming close to winning, we all had a brilliant day,” said Zoe.

“Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support is what this is all about and we’re pleased to have raised more than £700. After a two-year gap, it was lovely to see the event back and so many people out to support it.”