With legends from the footballing world in attendance, it was no surprise that Harry’s Rainbow’s recent charity event was a hard-fought competition that brought about a winning result. Former England manager Kevin Keegan and Leicester and Liverpool hero Emile Heskey were guests of honour at the Question of Sport-style event the children’s bereavement charity organised in conjunction with KidsOut in Milton Keynes last month.
Teams made up of charity supporters and local businesses competed in the sports quiz, sponsored by Redrow and held at Stadium MK. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal before competing in fully interactive quiz rounds, games and challenges, based on the long-running BBC TV show.
Kevin Keegan acted as quiz master, and all teams were allocated a football team to generate some good-natured rivalry. The Europa League competition was won by the Harry’s Rainbow table, representing Leicester City; while the Opus team, representing Tottenham Hotspur, took the Champion’s League title.
Alison Johnson, Fundraising and Events Manager at Harry’s Rainbow, said: “It was the most amazing evening, and we raised a lot of money for the two charities. We are so grateful to all those who gave their time to support us.
“We want to thank our special guests Kevin Keegan and Emile Heskey, as well as Barry Fry from Peterborough United and the actor, Kevin Whately. Emile signed a Liverpool shirt that was auctioned for £1,300 and Barry offered a guided tour of Peterborough United, which he increased to two tours for two guests who were both prepared to pay £1,200. Also, a special thank you to Senga Ward from Ward Faith Media for organising the attendance of Emile Heskey.
“Thanks also go to Ben Thomas from All Things Business who organised a Come Dine With Me with Razor Ruddock, which brought in £2,600.”
Harry’s Rainbow also thanked Ryan Peters, Managing Director at Brioche Pasquier UK for his support in helping to sell tables for the event and in organising auction items; MKFM’s Trevor Marshall who hosted the event and DJ Tony Dibbins; and sponsors Tool-temp, Austin and Carnley, Xero, Stadium MK and MK Dons, The Park MK, and photographer Joanne Wood.
Alison added: “It was such a special evening and we were overwhelmed by the support and the final total, which came to just over £39,000, that’s a massive amount to be divided between Harry’s Rainbow and KidsOut, a charity that helps vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
“I think this is the biggest fundraiser we’ve done so far and when you think what that means to us, to the work we can do, it’s amazing. It costs at least £650 a year for Harry’s Rainbow to support just one child, and we currently have over 550 children registered, so an amount like this makes an enormous difference.”
The charity supports children who have lost a parent or sibling, providing information and guidance through its website and social media sites as well as organising support groups, activities and trips, and offering individual, tailored support where it is needed.
“An event like this shows how far Harry’s Rainbow has come and how all those years of hard work by Odette Mould MBE to get the charity going have paid off. It was a huge, star-studded event and a success for both charities and we’re already making plans to do something similar in the future.”
Details of events coming up, and how to get involved, become a sponsor or join the Harry’s Rainbow committee can be found on the Harry’s Rainbow website.
Find out more about Harry’s Rainbow via their website.
