Deloitte backs Birmingham Paralympic hopeful

DELOITTE has rolled out its Olympic sponsorship to Birmingham-based Paralympic hopeful Thomas Hall-Butcher.

The sponsorship is run through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), a national programme managed by SportsAid, which helps top UK sportsmen and women in higher or further education achieve their dreams of international sporting success.

Twenty-one year-old Tom, who is in his second year studying Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Birmingham, is one of Britain’s top wheelchair fencers. His career has taken him across the world, culminating in his winning a place in the Wheelchair Fencing World Championships at the end of 2011. He now faces an anxious wait alongside his competitors until places for the London 2012 Olympics are announced in April.

He said: “Thanks to Deloitte and TASS, fencing is becoming more widely known as a competitive sport and I hope more people will take it up. On a personal level, TASS has been fantastic in supporting me through my career. As well as helping to fund me as I travel to compete, the physiotherapy and conditioning programme has given me better strength and endurance, improving my technique in competitions.”

Chris Loughran, senior practice partner at Deloitte Birmingham comments: “We are delighted to support local sporting talent through our TASS awards. Thomas is an inspiration to youngsters across the region; his dedication and hard work have translated into an outstanding international career and it has been a privilege to  work with him as he tries for a place at London 2012.”

St Basils boosted by West Brom building society

A CHARITY which helps young homeless people in Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and North Worcestershire has received a £500 donation from the West Brom building society for its services.

St Basils, which was established in Birmingham in 1972, operates 27 accommodation schemes and believes that providing accommodation alone is not enough to meet the needs of vulnerable people aged 16 to 25.

Head of Fundraising Lucy Hackett said: “We aim to stop the cycle of exclusion and homelessness by offering support services in addition to accommodation. We rely on charitable donations to continue to deliver our level of support and prevention services to young people so we are very grateful to the West Brom for its donation.”

St Bails runs a Learning Skills and Work Service aimed at preventing homelessness re-occurring by re-engaging young people with mainstream education or employment to increase their confidence and skills. It also runs prevention services to give children of school age an honest picture of the realities of leaving home and works with family members to try to resolve conflicts.

Stephen Leonard, the West Brom’s Divisional Director, said: “We believe in assisting local projects and charities which make a real difference in our communities. St Basils has a valued role in giving young people in the West Midlands a place to stay when they need help and the chance for them to make a fresh start.”

The West Brom’s donation was made through the Mercian Trust, a partnership between the society and the Diocese of Lichfield to support community groups and charitable causes in the region.

Second City golf tournament tees up support for Sutton charities

TWO Sutton Coldfield charities have each received a cash injection following donations from a local golf tournament.

The Norman Laud Association and Arthritis Research UK received cheques for £3,222 and £4,832 respectively from Second City’s 45th golf pro-am classic event. The tournament, which was sponsored by Spire Little Aston Hospital, took place at Little Aston Golf Club.

Established in 1967, Second City is the Midlands’ premier charity golf tournament. Since then, more than £265,000 has been raised for local charities.

Jilly Cosgrove, tournament director for Second City Golf Tournaments, and Ruth Paulin, hospital director from Spire Little Aston, presented the cheques to representatives from the two charities.

The Norman Laud Association provides respite care for children and adults with special needs. The charity also offers support to the families who cope under the most difficult circumstances.

Jane Clarke, community fundraiser for The Norman Laud Association, said: “We want to thank the people who took part in the golf tournament to raise a significant amount for our charity. The money will ensure our home and respite services remain at a high standard.”

Sarah Cooke, from Arthritis Research UK, said: “The donation will enable us to continue our research into curing a condition that affects people all of ages.”

Ms Cosgrove said: “We are very grateful to our team sponsors, sponsors and patrons that make every year a success and help to raise money for worthy causes. I’ll look forward to seeing some familiar faces at the next event as well as welcoming some new ones.”