Successful Fundraising Through Collective Support

Two charities plus 21 quiz teams equal a fundraising total of over £6,000. Through the support of individuals and business, the Winston Solicitors Annual Quiz was the most successful event to date. Within three weeks of the 2023 quiz being announced the event was fully booked.

With thanks to local businesses, there were fabulous prizes donated for the raffle and auction. New for 2023 was the addition of George’s Gallery, a collection of photographs from keen photographer George Astle, friend and colleague who passed away in November 2022 and received wonderful care at Saint Michael’s Hospice.

Both charities conveyed their heartfelt thanks at the support and effort that had gone into the quiz night. 

 “The Annual Quiz was the perfect synergy of a fabulous evening” said Sandra Gilbert, from Saint Michael’s Hospice “It was such an enjoyable and immersive event that people look forward to and come to each year, whilst helping and supporting people locally at the same time and making a difference for others.”

2023 is the first year that the fundraising has been donated to two charities, as the firm wanted to also support Saint Michael’s Hospice, having seen the care that George received and the dignified end of life he deserved.

Winston Solicitors have been fundraising for Leeds Mencap since 2015. “It was genuinely so lovely seeing Winston Solicitors, their supporters and friends come together to support Leeds Mencap, it really does mean a lot to us and the children.” said Abi Hart, Senior Fundraiser at Leeds Mencap.  “This amount of money could cover the cost of an entire term of our Sibling’s Club, which provides siblings of young people with a learning disability a safe space where they can have fun, receive support, and make friends with peers who understand what they’re going through.”

About Leeds Mencap

Leeds Mencap, who are celebrating their 70-year anniversary, is a completely independent charity, started for those with learning disabilities. They directly help more than 500 families and individuals on their journey with learning disabilities and indirectly support hundreds more who use the specialist equipment and facilities in their centre. Crucially, they recognise the needs of the whole family and provide advice, support, and long-term help. As an independent charity they secure all their own funding to continue to offer their valuable services.

About Saint Michael’s Hospice

Saint Michael’s Hospice is part of North Yorkshire Hospice Care, an independent charity with a family of services. They ensure that local people affected by terminal illness across the Harrogate district can access high quality, personalised care. Saint Michael’s values choice, autonomy and seeks to empower those in need of their services. This means offering support where and when it matters most. A range of services is provided at the hospice, and out in the community in people’s own homes.

They are passionate about working in partnership to enable others to offer hospice-standard care. Saint Michael’s are responsive to the needs of people with a variety of terminal illnesses, including heart failure, respiratory illnesses, and neurological conditions, as well as cancer. Without the hospice, local people and their families could be left to face the complex issues and forgotten challenges of terminal illness alone. Saint Michael’s exists to ensure a better future is possible.

Remembering George Astle 

29 July 1965 to 12 November 2022 

George was an accountant at Winston Solicitors. He was a sociable and caring person who had many interests and hobbies including (and certainly not limited to) badminton, cars, photography, and golf. His sister, Lucy, kindly donated a large collection of George’s prints, from which came the idea of George’s Gallery, a way to increase the donations at the quiz night. From the moment everyone walked into the room, they were drawn to see the pictures and enthuse at both their subject matter and skill. George was a kind and all-round lovely person who is greatly missed by his family and friends.

It's A Team Effort

Huge thanks, from the charities and Winston Solicitors goes to everyone who gave us their time and support to enable us to hold the quiz night.

Tony and Trina at West Park Rugby Club.

Paul Grindley, for writing and delivering another original, witty and brain teasing quiz.

Business friends including The Woods - Chapel Allerton, Share Jewellers, The Leeds Deli, Astonish, It’s The Beer Talking, Chapel Allerton Pilates, Firefly Pottery, The Exclusive Eyewear Agency, Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Guiseley, Leeds United Football Club and Yorkshire Gliding Club, Sutton Bank.

To put on a successful event requires a full team of people. Everyone involved made a genuine difference to raise over £6,000 for both charities. 

As soon as the 2024 date is announced, book your space! Remember, places for the 2023 quiz sold out in 17 days.