Accountancy firm raises charity cash from padel competition

More than 40 specialists from the region’s finance and professional services have raised almost £1,500 from a charity padel competition, organised by accountancy firm Ashgates, of which Ashgates IT is part of.

The firm, which employs 90 people at its offices in Pride Park, announced the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK (PWSA) as its official charity partner earlier this year.

The padel event at We are Padel saw players from Barclays, Gateley, NatWest, Rothera Bray and Handelsbanken take part.

Ashgates’ audit and business services assistant Bethany Walker put forward the charity for personal reasons, as her sister Izzy currently lives with the rare genetic condition, which causes an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as causing learning and physical disabilities.

Steve Martin, director at Ashgates, who was joined at the competition by Izzy and her father Neil, said: “PWSA do amazing work, providing a dedicated helpline, information hub, peer support groups and community events for the 2,000 people who live with this syndrome in the UK.

“As well as raising vital funds for research and other activities, it importantly raises awareness, so more people understand what is involved and what people have to live with.”

Speaking about the padel competition, he said: “Everyone is talking about padel, and we’ve been asked by a few stakeholders and clients for a game.

“I couldn’t think of a better way of rising to the challenge than putting on a competition at nearby We Are Padel and raising lots of money for a great charity.”

Founded in 1991, Ashgates provides expertise support and advice to businesses on a local, national and overseas basis.

The practice, which joined professional services group DJH last year, is keen to expand its East Midlands footprint and will be putting on other social events during the next 12 months.

Karen Wilkinson, from PWSA, said: “We are most grateful to Ashgates and DJH for their fundraising event on behalf of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK.

“The padel tournament was a great way for professionals to relax and do battle on the court, while raising much-needed awareness of the condition, a condition.

“We’ve achieved so much, but this is just the start. The funding will go into the next steps, which include more age-appropriate support and social activities for adults with PWSA, expanding our information hub and training more professionals in helping people to live with the syndrome.”