If you’ve been following us for a while, you’re probably familiar with our nationwide networking event, The 500 Club.

If you’re just now stepping into our world, The 500 Club is a series of informal networking events jointly hosted by ESA Risk, litigation funders Asertis, and property audit and consultancy firm CAPA. The aim of which is to bring together like-minded professionals from the legal, insolvency, finance and related sectors for drinks, nibbles and, most importantly, good conversation.

Our combined networking venture has grown exponentially since it’s inception, so this year we sought to utilise our expanding platform to cast a spotlight on something other than our professional network; the commendable work carried out by Aspire.

Aspire is a national charity dedicated to providing practical assistance to individuals who have suffered paralysis due to Spinal Cord Injury. Such an injury can occur unexpectedly to anyone, drastically altering their lives. In the absence of a cure, Aspire’s mission is crucial.

With a variety of projects and initiatives, Aspire extends practical support to around 105,000 individuals in the UK living with a Spinal Cord Injury. This support spans from the initial hospitalisation of new spinal injury patients and continues throughout their lives, enabling them to live independent and fulfilling lives at home, with their families, in their workplaces, and through leisure activities.

“We are very proud to support Aspire, in what is a very important charity. Life changes in a heartbeat for some people who sustain spinal injuries, so to give advanced rehabilitation and then independence is a great gift to give.” – Gareth Fitzgerald, CAPA.

Then

Aspire was founded in 1983 with the mission of improving rehabilitation facilities for people with spinal injuries, in response to the need for better rehabilitation equipment at the London Spinal Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.

The charity’s initial vision rapidly expanded, leading to the construction of a new rehabilitation unit next to the spinal unit, designed by Andrew Walker, an architect who was a wheelchair user due to a Spinal Cord Injury.

In 1998 a major extension that included a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool and other facilities, was added. The Centre was more recently renamed the Aspire Leisure Centre.

Aspire has a longstanding relationship with the world of insolvency and restructuring, beginning in the early 2000’s with the first Aspire Sports Quiz Dinner – the brainchild of leading insolvency professional Alan Bloom, and his wife Gilly.

Today, the London event is still a staple in the diaries of almost all leading firms in the industry.

Now

The connection between Aspire and The 500 Club is further personified through Brian Carlin, a valued 500 Club member known for his dynamic presence and participation in events nationwide. His involvement highlights a shared bond within our community, bringing together individuals passionate about nurturing a difference in the lives of others.

“I remember first meeting Brian at one of our events at Davy’s Bunghole Cellars in London. Brian was always going to stick in my memory, as it’s usual to meet insolvency practitioners, solicitors, barristers, finance and property professionals at our events, but Brian is the first and only charity CEO we’ve hosted.

Brian was kind enough to return the hosting favour and invite me to Aspire’s flagship Sport Quiz Dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground a couple of years ago. Even more generously, Brian seated me at the top table – despite that meaning he had to find a seat elsewhere – which gave me the opportunity to speak to some of the people directly affected by spinal cord injury and supported by Aspire. ‘Incredible’ and ‘inspiring’ can be overused terms, but I cannot think of better descriptions for the stories I heard that evening.

At that point, it was clear to me that Aspire would be an excellent choice for The 500 Club’s chosen charity. I’m very pleased that we made that a reality this year, and I always enjoy catching up with Brian at our events and hearing about the charity’s successes and plans.” – Liam Geoghegan, ESA Risk.

Though ESA Risk is no stranger to fundraising, as some of you may remember our Managing Director, Mike Wright drove to Chernivtsi in Ukraine to deliver Christmas presents and humanitarian aid to children housed across three orphanages and more than 20 shelters, raising over £30,000 in the process. Or ESA Risk consultant, Mario Ovsenjak, raising £4,500 for Cancer Research UK through participating in two charity boxing matches.

However, this is the first time we’ve pooled our efforts as the hosts of a networking community.

“It is a privilege and an honour to have Aspire, which supports the 105,000 people living in the UK who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury to live independent lives, as our chosen charity.” – Roger Dugan, Asertis.

How

With multiple fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and a keen focus on sponsored swimming, running and cycling challenges, Aspire and it’s supporters remain dedicated to their vision of inclusivity and independence for all those affected by Spinal Cord Injury.

Some of their upcoming 2024 fundraising events include:

Aspire Sports Quiz Dinner

The Aspire Sports Quiz Dinner is making a grand return to Manchester, after a six-year hiatus.

Set to take place on Thursday 14^th November at The Lowry Hotel in Salford, this event promises an evening brimming with good food, competitive spirit, and a meaningful cause.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to support individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries while indulging in a drinks reception, a sumptuous three-course dinner, and engaging in a fully interactive sports quiz. This year, the quiz will be hosted by Aspire’s President, John Inverdale, with assistance from master quiz setter and BBC 5 Live’s Rob Nothman.

Moreover, the event opens doors for sponsorship opportunities and welcomes donations of raffle prizes to further support the cause.

For those interested in making a difference while enjoying an exciting night out, this is the perfect opportunity.

Aspire Channel Swim

For those who love a challenge, how about swimming the distance of the English Channel to support those affected by Spinal Cord Injury?

The Aspire Channel Swim event encourages participants to cover 22 miles — either solo or as part of a team — from 9^th September to 2^nd December 2024. This challenge is open to swimmers of all ages and fitness levels and can be completed in local pools, swimming lakes, or the sea for the more experienced.

By taking on this challenge, you’re not just aiming for personal achievement; you’re contributing to a vital cause.

“I’m delighted the 500 Club has chosen Aspire as their partner charity.  It’s an honour to have the support of ESA Risk, CAPA and Asertis, and to be invited to join the many networking events and meet so many amazing and interesting people.  This partnership will help strengthen our relationship with the Insolvency and Restructuring sector and provide additional support for our vital services to help spinal cord injured people from injury to independence.” – Brian Carlin, Aspire.

As we gear up for another year of giving back, we’re reminded why we do what we do. It’s all about community, kindness, and yes, the little bit of magic that happens when we come together for something bigger than ourselves.

So we call upon you — the reader, the professional, the philanthropist — seize this opportunity to participate, contribute, or spread the word. Every donation makes a difference for those living with Spinal Cord injury.

Thank you for your continued support and we’ll catch you at the next event!