Property agent raises more than £100,000 for charity

Strutt & Parker have raised a staggering total of £105,514.98 for Wooden Spoon, which is a British and Irish Rugby Charity that helps support mentally and physically disadvantaged children.

On September 14, the Strutt & Parker Partners presented a cheque to the charity together with renowned English rugby player Jason Leonard.

The sum has been raised by all the offices across England and Scotland.

Andy Martin, Senior Partner at Strutt & Parker comments: "This sum is something we are hugely proud of. We always strive to give back something significant and show our more personal side and we hope that this reflects our commitment to this inspiring charity and the wider community."

At the official launch of the support for the charity a year ago a tough challenge was set, the aim being to get the famous Wooden Spoon ball around each of the Strutt & Parker offices raising money on the way.

While the ball was at a particular office it was their responsibility to raise money in that period.

Starting in London the ball travelled around the country up to Scotland and then back down. Ideas have been hugely diverse from small one-man band cake sales to teams of entire offices competing in hill cycling challenges. It was all about creating inventive and unusual ways to raise the money and to keep the enthusiasm for the challenge.

Highlights have included a 24 hour event in Fulham that consisted of a throwing the Wooden Spoon ball between members of the London teams with no breaks that raised over £20,000.

Other large successful events have included a highland fling.

The dinner/dance was held in January in a stunning 15th century barn where guests were welcomed to the sound of the piper from the City of Rochester Pipe band. There was a Scottish themed dinner followed by a charity auction. An incredible £6,000 was raised in just one fabulous night.

Most recently and perhaps most impressively a selection 12 individuals set themselves a huge target – the Four Peaks Challenge.

On Thursday, June 23, the three teams set out to climb 4,200 metres to the summit and back of four of the highest peaks in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in less than 48 hours.

The fourth team member, the dependable driver rested while the others climbed, only to drive over 1,000 miles between the peaks letting the climbers recharge their batteries.

The stamina, strength and drive shone through as well as commitment to teamwork. It was a huge success raising well over £20,000.

Martin, concludes: "It is this type of challenge that has summed up why Strutt and Parker have adopted engaging with the Wooden Spoon as their chosen charity.

"We have thrived on coming up with new and creative ways of working together, team building and making fun out of something with an underlying real importance.

"All the events across our offices have been successes in their own ways and we look forward to hearing how our money will be put to superb causes over the coming year."