Cheshire l-oar firm raises money for local charity

A Cheshire firm of solicitors proved how oar-some they are on the water after finishing third in a dragon boat race for charity.

The team from Watsons Solicitors braved the wind and rain to raise money for St Rocco’s Hospice in the annual fundraiser, and showed they had fire in the belly to come away with bronze.

Employees at Watsons were joined in the boat by a few friends including personal trainer Tim Holmes. It shouldn’t take too much detective work to understand the origins of the team name: Holmes and Watson.

The event, which took place at Warrington Rowing Club, is a key date in the calendar for the hospice, which relies on more than two thirds of its funding being generated by the local community.

St Rocco’s Hospice provides specialist care and support across Warrington, helping those who are coping with a life-limiting illness.

And Alex Mitchell, partner and head of the private client department at Watsons Solicitors, says the team thoroughly enjoyed their time on the water to support the charity.

“The hospice does incredible work in the community and we were pleased to help them raise much-needed funds,” she said.

“Despite the horrendous weather conditions, our team pulled together and had a fantastic time for such a worthy cause.

“We won every race on the day, including against the eventual champions, with our average time helping us to a third-place finish. It has left a sense of unfinished business and I’m sure you will see us in a boat for next year’s event aiming to take home the trophy!”

Dragon boats are long, open, wooden boats with designs that make the vessel resemble a dragon. They’re powered by an even number of paddlers on each side with the St Rocco’s Hospice race consisting of teams of 16, 8 on each side.

To find out more about the hospice, and to register your interest for the 2020 Dragon Boat Race, visit https://www.stroccos.org.uk/.

The dragon boat race is the latest community event Watsons Solicitors has supported. This year, the law firm has sponsored the cider bar at the Warrington Wolves Charity Foundation’s beer festival as well as handed over a cheque to the organisation as part of a will-writing initiative.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

Its experienced solicitors each hold accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.

Anyone interested in having a will should contact Watsons Solicitors on 01925 571 212.