Local businessman, Steve Perera, has sponsored his old school team and helped a good cause into the bargain.

Britannic Place has sponsored the King’s School Worcester Sevens squad for the current academic year. At the end of the Sevens season the members of the squad have been given the opportunity to purchase the shirts for £25 each, with all of the proceeds going to the Matt Hampson Trust. This could eventually raise over £350 that will be paid over to the trust.

Matt Hampson is a former rugby union prop who was injured during a scrummaging practice accident, whilst training with England Under 21s on 15 March 2005. As a result of this accident Matt is now quadriplegic, having dislocated his neck at the time.  Matt set up the ‘Matt Hampson Trust’ to help and support people with spinal injuries.

Steve Perera, a Chartered Financial Planner and Director of Britannic Place, said “I was delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor the KSW Sevens Squad, having been a very keen rugby player in my time at the school. The fact that it has also allowed us to donate some funds to a very worthwhile cause is an added bonus. Having been a front row forward in my playing days, this particular charity resonates greatly with me.”

The Sevens Squad was coached this year for the first time by Jonny Mason, Director of Sport for KSW, who has previously worked with Matt Hampson when he was coaching in Leicester. The KSW Sevens team made a recent appearance at the National Schools Sevens tournament held at the grounds of Rosslyn Park FC. KSW narrowly lost in the last 16 of the Festival tournament to The Oratory by 20 points to 14.

Steve Perera pointed out that he has very close links with the school. Not only did he attend the school for seven years but he has also provided financial advice to teachers, ex-pupils and also the parents of current pupils at the school.