Winter Dinner Dance 2019 raises over £83,000 for Spinal Injuries Scotland

Tuesday 12th November 2019
Des Clarke, compere on stage at Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance 2019 for Spinal Injuries Scotland

Digby Brown is delighted to announce a record-breaking £83,000 was raised for Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) at the firm’s annual Winter Dinner Dance.

The event was held on Friday 8th November at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow, where over 570 guests joined together to raise funds for SIS. The charity helps those living with new and long-term spinal cord injuries, as well as their relatives and friends, assisting with the management, care and rehabilitation of life-changing injuries.

Guests at Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance 2019

Digby Brown has worked with SIS for many years and this year’s Winter Dinner Dance marks the 17th year the firm has hosted the fundraiser for the charity. The event was compered, as always, by radio DJ Des Clarke and featured a guest performance from top comedian Sean Locke.

Comedian Sean Locke on stage at Winter Dinner Dance 2019

Laura Torrance, Peer Support Advisor from Spinal Injuries Scotland, spoke to the guests about her experience with spinal injury and the importance of the charity's work in her recovery.

Laura Torrance from Spinal Injuries Scotland speaking at Winter Dinner Dance 2019

This year’s event had a little extra twist to it as guests were involved in an evening of espionage and detective work. The evening featured a spy-themed dance performance, music and an entertaining game where guests had to solve the mystery of the stolen prize-car.

Des Clarke with dancers on stage at the Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance 2019

At the beginning of the evening, it was announced the car had been stolen by none other than our very own Design and Marketing Manager, Susan Lawrie. Her accomplice remained unknown, as did the location of the stolen car and the accompanying car keys.

Throughout the evening, various clues were provided which each table had to pay close attention to. Clues included a locked combination box containing a cipher tool which each table had to crack the code for, and a video of the stolen car being driven around various locations in Glasgow. Comedian Sean Locke even joined in with the game after his set, revealing he had found the missing car keys.

The winning team each took home a bottle of prosecco for their keen detective work.

Various fundraising activities occurred throughout the night with a tombola, prize-draw and casino available for guests to get involved and raise money for the charity.

Our annual auction boasted an array of fantastic prizes, including a three-night cottage stay on the Isle of Islay, an iPhone 8, and an all-inclusive afternoon at Perth Racecourse for four people.

The grand prize for the evening was a brand new car courtesy of Peter Vardy, which was the centre of attention for our spy-game.

Prize draw car for Winter Dinner Dance 2019 outside DoubleTree Hotel, Cambridge Street

Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury Department, said: “Every year we are bowled over by the popularity of this event and the generosity of the guests who this year raised over £83,000 in just a few hours - it's nothing short of humbling.

“In our day jobs we see first-hand the after-effects of spinal injuries - it's why we are proud of our long-standing bond with the SIS volunteers and the vital service they provide to hundreds across the country.

“I'd like to thank Des for hosting, Sean for performing and everyone behind the scenes who helped make the event a triumph."

Des Clarke with guests at Winter Dinner Dance 2019

Learn more about Digby Brown’s work with Spinal Injuries Scotland, or read about clients we have helped with spinal injuries.