Piper Sandler’s Sportschallenge has raised more than £115,000 for five charities after businesses from across the North-east came together for the annual fundraising dinner and sports quiz at P&J Live on Thursday, September 10.
The money raised will benefit Murtle Market, Team Jak and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, alongside Maggie’s Aberdeen and Children’s Aid (Scotland), which have been core beneficiaries of Sportschallenge since the very first event in 2012.
The result takes the total raised by Sportschallenge since it began to more than £1.2m
It comes during a particularly tough year for Aberdeen and the wider North-east, with pressures across the energy sector being felt by businesses and families throughout the region.
Hosted by broadcaster Amy Irons and former Scotland rugby international Andy Nicol, the black-tie event saw 63 teams compete across five rounds of sporting trivia. IPS (Aberdeen) were crowned Champions League winners, while Aberdein Considine took the Europa League title.
While Sportschallenge is known for its competitive spirit and lively atmosphere, the evening always includes a sobering reminder of why everyone is there.
That moment this year came when Georgina and Mark Edwards took to the stage to share the story of their daughter Olivia, who died following an asthma attack in October 2025, just one day before her ninth birthday.
They spoke about the bubbly, fun-loving little girl who loved dancing, singing and making people laugh, before sharing the devastating circumstances surrounding her death and their determination to create a positive legacy in her memory.
Funds raised for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation will help deliver its My Breath is Life project in schools across Aberdeen, educating children, teachers, staff and parents about asthma symptoms and triggers, how to manage the condition and how to respond in an emergency.
Nick Dalgarno, Sportschallenge Trustee and Managing Director at Piper Sandler, said: “We never take the backing Sportschallenge receives for granted, but this year it means more than ever.
“We know how challenging the current climate is for Aberdeen and the North-east and the pressures being felt by businesses, particularly across the energy sector, as well as by individuals and families. For so many companies and people to choose to come along and give so generously is something we hugely appreciate.
“Charities are facing pressures of their own, with demand increasing while funding becomes harder to secure. To have raised more than £115,000 in that environment is a result we are incredibly grateful for, and we can’t thank our sponsors, guests, volunteers and everyone who contributed enough.
“Sportschallenge is always a fantastic night with plenty of competition and laughs, but there comes a point when the room falls quiet and we are reminded why we are there. Georgina and Mark’s courage in sharing Olivia’s story was extraordinary. Their determination to create a legacy for their daughter that could help protect other children and families is incredibly powerful.”
Piper Sandler has been Platinum Sponsor of Sportschallenge since the event began, with CNR International marking its tenth year as Gold Sponsor. This year’s event was also backed by Blackwood Partners, Azets, Centurion Group, Cala Homes, Marcliffe and Macdonald Hotels.
Murtle Market, based at Camphill Estate in Bieldside, provides around 100 young people with learning disabilities and complex additional needs with opportunities to gain work experience and develop skills, confidence and independence.
Team Jak helps children and families affected by childhood cancer, with its Aberdeen Jak’s Den currently working with 124 local families through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Piper Sandler’s Sportschallenge will return in September 2027. Businesses interested in taking part or exploring sponsorship opportunities can register their interest at https://forms.gle/kDYK9xK8j7UV9KAn7 or by emailing Emma Anderson, trustee, at emma@esme-ltd.com.