Warrington law firm teams up with rugby league star to support testimonial year

A two-time rugby league Challenge Cup winner is celebrating his testimonial year with support from a leading Warrington law firm.

Ryan Atkins, a centre for Warrington Wolves, has teamed up with Watsons Solicitors, which is sponsoring his milestone 10th year at the club.

And the partnership is helping raise money for two charities close to the rugby player’s heart.

The Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation, the club’s community organisation, will receive funds raised by events held to celebrate Atkins’ career.

The charity, which he works closely with, provides life-changing activities to 30,000 people a year through sport, health, and education.

Atkins’ testimonial activities will also support the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which provides holidays, day trips, and Christmas parties for children with terminal illnesses, disabilities, and social disadvantages across the UK.

Both organisations have already benefitted from a testimonial match, in which The Wire wore sponsored shorts bearing the Watsons Solicitors logo.

Alex Mitchell, partner and head of the private client department at Watsons Solicitors, said: “Reaching a testimonial year is a fantastic achievement for any athlete, so when the chance to support Ryan’s charity work came up, we were keen to be involved.

“After speaking with him and his team, we came up with a tailored package to support the cause and get involved with the testimonial match, where we had our logo on the kit, an opportunity to have a place as a mascot, tickets to the game, and tickets to the launch dinner.

“We’re always seeking opportunities to get involved with the local community, and as Warrington Wolves is a major part of it, we’re pleased to be supporting Ryan and the lads both on and off the field.”

During his 13 seasons in the Super League, Atkins has played more than 350 games, scored more than 200 tries, and earned eight England international caps.

Information on upcoming Ryan Atkins testimonial events, including a ladies night at the Warrington Village Hotel, can be found on Twitter @rararyan85.

At the testimonial game, Alex presented the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation with a cheque for funds raised by Watsons’ Will Week campaign.

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

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