Muckle LLP helps sports stars set up new charity
We have assisted local sports stars to kick-start a new registered charity.
The charity is the brainchild of the team behind Oddballs Apparel Limited - a new clothing company set up by former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper and former Newcastle Falcons rugby player Richard Metcalfe with local businessman, Paul Varley.
10% of sales to cancer charities
The trio launched the brand after discussing ways to raise money for men’s cancer charities – and the resulting business now donates 10% from all sales to testicular cancer charities.
The foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals’ NHS Foundation Trust that benefit cancer patients from across north east England and Cumbria and contributes to international research into the disease.
Oddballs Foundation creation
Following the success of Oddballs, the sporting heroes launched the foundation to manage the charitable activities. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) part funded the set-up costs, with legal advice provided by Muckle LLP.
Steve Harper said: “I’ve been working with John Devine at Muckle LLP for a number of years now and it was great to work with him again to set up the Oddballs Foundation as a registered charity. We're delighted launch the foundation to support our business model and raise money for charities related to testicular cancer.”
Charity initiatives
The team has recently been involved in a number of charitable initiatives, including a sponsored swim and fancy-dress football match between Christmas and New Year.
The swim was arranged for December 27th at Tynemouth Longsands, North Tyneside by footballing friends, Daniel Ramshaw and Scott Flynn, a Newcastle United Foundation coach. Scott was in his 20s when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Daniel said: “Scott, a team mate of ours at Heddon St Andrews, was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the start of November. The news came as a big shock to us, therefore straight away we began to think of ways in which we could raise money to spread awareness of the condition, and help fund the organisations that treat the disease.”
Luckily, due to an early diagnosis and subsequent operation, Scott was given the all clear at the start of December.
John Devine, said: “When Daniel told me about the swim, I mentioned it to Steve Harper and he agreed to donate Oddballs Apparel swim trunks to all of the people involved in the Tynemouth swim.”
Daniel commented that the day had been a massive success. He said: “I’m thrilled with the support we have received from everyone for the swim and the fancy dress football match that we held beforehand to build courage for getting in the sea! It was a cold wintry day, but the lads braved the elements, had fun and did us proud. I would like to thank the Oddballs team for so kindly donating the swimwear for the event.”
The swim and football match raised £2,209 which will now be distributed between the testicular cancer ward at the Freeman Hospital and Oddballs to help families of those affected by cancer.
For more information on how our Charities team can help your organisation, contact Chris Hook using 0191 211 7811 or [email protected].