Record-breaking £121,203 raised at Winter Dinner Dance 2025

Digby Brown is delighted to confirm its annual Winter Dinner Dance for Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) raised a landmark £121,203.

More than 520 people attended the glitzy bash at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow on Friday 7 November and dug deep to support survivors of spinal cord injuries.

Hosted by top broadcaster Des Clarke, attendees enjoyed a live band, games and a captivating performance from renowned Quantum Mind Reader David Zambuka.

The incredible sum was raised at the 22nd annual extravaganza through table sales and multiple fundraising activities like a tombola, casino and raffle.

Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury Department, said: “We’re immensely proud of our long-standing partnership with Spinal Injuries Scotland and of the difference this continued support helps make to people and families affected by spinal injury across Scotland.

"To be able to say in year 22 of the Dinner Dance that we have, once again, raised a record-breaking total is a true testament to the enthusiasm, generosity and kindness of guests even after all this time.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved - from those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to our brilliant host Des Clarke and the mesmerising David Zambuka who kept us all captivated with his mind-boggling performance throughout the night."

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The digital auction also raised more than £16,000 - an all-time-high for the Dinner Dance - via coveted items like a signed Manchester United 2025/26 home shirt and four-ball at one of Gleneagles three championship golf courses.

There were also luxury getaway packages, tickets to see top entertainer Peter Kay and the legendary Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and a driving experience on the Porsche Tracks at Silverstone Experience Centre.

But the most successful listing was a coveted diamond necklace from Chisholm Hunter which fetched £1,000.

Throughout the night, guests were involved in a bumper card game which featured trivia and ‘What happened next?’ questions along with a sing-along - a Winter Dinner Dance favourite.

Guests also heard from Graeme Stewart, Peer Support Advisor at SIS, who recently tackled a 400km handcycle challenge alongside Joanna Martin, SIS Ambassador, and Heart radio presenter Graeme Stevely - better known as Grado.

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It had been announced earlier that morning on Heart’s breakfast show that Digby Brown would donate a further £4,000 to the trio’s challenge in aid of Global’s Make Some Noise which supports local causes across the UK including SIS.

Next to take to the stage was Lucy Morrison, Chair of SIS, who addressed guests thanking them for their generosity and unwavering support of the charity.

The prize-draw raffle winners were crowned before guests took to the dancefloor with first prize winner of £6,000, Iain Hamilton, donating his winnings straight back to the charity.

This was a true first for the Winter Dinner Dance, and something we would not usually allow to happen, but Iain and his wife, Carron, are volunteers for SIS and wanted to do their part to give back, commenting that the charity has given them more than £6,000 worth of support over the years.

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Maureen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer at Spinal Injuries Scotland, said: “The Winter Dinner Dance continues to be an incredible source of support for Spinal Injuries Scotland, helping us reach even more people across the country who are rebuilding their lives after a spinal cord injury.

"We are deeply grateful to Digby Brown for their long-standing commitment, generosity, and belief in our work.

"Thanks to this partnership, we can keep growing our services, empowering individuals and making sure no one faces life after a spinal cord injury alone."

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Craig Semple, Marketing Director at Digby Brown and Chief Party Organiser (CPO) of the event concluded: "Another Winter Dinner Dance has now drawn to a close and despite a few technical hitches, the feedback received on the night and since would suggest that these minor glitches only added to the evening.

“With Des Clarke on sparkling form, his quick wit and banter made the night laugh out loud funny and even more inclusive for everyone in the room.

“The night was unpredictable with moments that no one in the room will forget, lump in the throat times and a sense of friendship which was palpable, but it was also our most successful in terms of both tables sales and amount raised, which is, after all, why we were all there.

“The Dinner Dance is a bit bonkers however, given the amount raised and feedback received - we are clearly doing something right.

“Roll on 2026… I’ve got a bit of an idea!”