British Paralympian swimming superstar Eleanor May “Ellie” Simmonds, OBE, swapped the pool for The City today as she took to the trading floor to help Battersea Dogs & Cats Home make a splash at BGC Partners’ Charity Day.
Animal-lover Ellie, who has a rescue cat named Dipstick, took to the trading floor on Monday 11 September at the Canary Wharf office of BGC Partners for their annual Charity Day, raising much-needed funds for Battersea.
She was joined by a team of Battersea’s finest four-legged ambassadors – May the German Shepherd puppy, Anya the Chihuahua, Ripley the English Cocker Spaniel puppy, Lola the Mongrel and Pac the Pug – who instantly charmed all the celebrities taking part in the charity day and enjoyed closing a few deals of their own when it came to trading treats and tummy rubs.
BGC’s Charity Day is held each year to commemorate those who sadly perished in the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks in 2001. Celebrity ambassadors representing participating charities join licensed brokers on the trading floors to conduct transactions with BGC clients, and 100 per cent of the revenues from the day are donated to those charities.
Speaking about her involvement in the event, five-time Paralympic Gold medallist Ellie said: “I’m so pleased to be here today to raise money for the incredible work that Battersea does to help dogs and cats in need. It’s amazing to see how the tragedy of 9/11 is being commemorated by such a fantastic event, the profits of which are shared between loads of great causes – such as Battersea – who all really benefit from the money raised.”
In 2016, actor and dog-lover Tom Hardy hit the phones for Battersea at the annual BGC Partners’ Charity Day, raising a staggering £40,000, which all went towards helping the 7,000-plus dogs and cats that come through Battersea’s gates each year.
Claire Horton, Battersea Chief Executive said: “Battersea loves getting involved in BGC Partners’ Charity Day and this year is no exception. It’s always such an exciting yet poignant day, and the money raised really does help the Home to make a difference to the lives of so many animals. Battersea spends over £17 million every year looking after the thousands of unwanted dogs and cats that come through our iconic gates, and that’s why we’re so grateful to Ellie Simmonds for helping us raise vital funds to keep that good work going.”
