Style Birmingham

A Birmingham businessman has won the use of the Barclays Premiership trophy for the day and will be displaying it in the city centre to raise funds for charity.

Paul Woodcock, regional underwriting manager for Catlin Insurance, was awarded the world’s most famous football cup for the day after winning an on-line competition for Barclays customers. He has decided to use the trophy to help St Basils, a local charity that works with young homeless people in the city.

To ensure the top flight cup receives the spotlight it deserves, Harvey Nichols – a keen supporter of St Basils – has agreed to display it in its menswear department on Tuesday January 5.

Those wishing to see the famous trophy can take their cameras along to the luxury Mailbox store from 10am and have their photograph taken next to it. Several Premiership football stars are also expected to pop in during the day. Donations can be made to St Basils via in-store collection boxes and there will also be a prize draw to win two places on one of Harvey Nichols’s hospitality packages at Villa Park (see instore for terms & conditions).

“I was amazed when I was told I’d won use of the trophy for the day,” said Paul Woodcock. “I immediately thought of helping St Basils and wondered if I could use it to raise its profile. The work it does with young people in this region is vital and is now nationally recognised as the best way to tackle youth homelessness.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of bringing such a famous trophy to the city and delighted it is going to be displayed in such a prestigious store. I’d like to add my thanks to Barclays, the Premiership and Harvey Nichols for all their support.”

Kevin Breese, general manager for Harvey Nichols Birmingham, added: “We have very close ties with St Basils and with our Premiership football teams in the region and are delighted to be able to host an event that brings both of these together.”