A ‘Day at the Races’ celebration held by Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors made a splash with bumper proceeds for charity.

Staff and their guests enjoyed the seventh annual event at the Lake Yard Club at Poole harbour.

Ellis Jones – with more than 170 staff including 22 partners – is proud that its workforce is 75% female.

Seventy per cent of its senior associates are female, and the firm is working at further addressing gender imbalance in senior roles within its senior management team, including its partners (just over a quarter female) and central management (one third female).

The Day at the Races raised £1,511 in aid of the Bowra Foundation, which provides lifechanging support for people with neurological conditions. 

The extravaganza, held to coincide with the famous Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day, included a three-course lunch and networking.

Partner Lauren Day, who is a trustee of the Bowra Foundation, said: “It was a fabulous event with plenty of fun and great conversations.

“The icing on the cake was raising so much for the Bowra Foundation, £1,511. We were honoured to support the charity, which makes a such a difference to people’s lives. Our thanks go to everyone who came along.”

Ellis Jones Solicitors – which offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Wimborne and London – is a long standing supporter of the Poole-based Bowra Foundation.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Bowra MBE RM founded the charity after suffering a severe stroke in 2014 when he was at the pinnacle of his career in the Royal Marines and the special forces.

It supports military veterans and people from all walks of life with brain injuries and neurological conditions, with practical help as well as social and recreational activities.

Commodore Jim Patrick CBE, who is chair of the Bowra Foundation, said: “It was a marvellous event.

“Our greatest thanks go to Ellis Jones and everyone who attended for their wonderful support and generosity. 

“This is a huge amount for our charity and will go directly to support our beneficiaries in their unrelenting pursuit of recovery.” 

Visit www.bowra-foundation.org and https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/about/helping-the-community to find out more about how Ellis Jones supports the community.

PICTURE: ALL ABOARD: Staff from Ellis Jones Solicitors and their guests enjoyed a Day at the Races at Lake Yard Club in Poole.