Winter Dinner Dance 2026 raises more than £117,000 for Spinal Injuries Scotland
Digby Brown helped raise an incredible £117,305 for Spinal Injuries Scotland (SIS) at its Winter Dinner Dance last week.
The 23rd annual extravaganza held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow brought 480 people together to honour the charity and raise vital funds through a range of activities like a tombola, raffle prize-draw and digital auction. The auction alone raised an all-time high of £17,735.
Legendary Scottish actor and 'voice of Digby Brown', Ron Donachie, introduced top broadcaster Des Clarke who hosted the evening's celebrations.
Guests enjoyed an entertaining programme of games, prizes and live music alongside special performances from four award-winning comedians: Chris Forbes, Jay Lafferty, Robin Grainger and Stephen Buchanan.
Throughout the night guests also took part in a comedy awards ceremony entitled ‘The Joke’s On You’ with prizes awarded in categories including 'Best One-Liner' and 'Lost on Me'.
There was further excitement as the lucky winner of the £6,000 raffle prize-draw generously gifted half their winnings straight back to SIS.
As well as the celebrations and fundraising the evening also provided an opportunity to reflect on the very real way spinal cord injuries can affect people’s lives.
Niree Gaw, Peer Support Advisor at SIS, shared her story of navigating an uncertain future after sustaining a spinal injury at the age of 22, just three months after graduating from university.
Addressing the Winter Dinner Dance she said: “I was riding my friend’s horse one night when there was a freak accident – my legs were paralysed instantly.
“The first time seeing myself sat in a wheelchair I thought: ‘I genuinely don’t know her.’ I was so worried about what life had in store.
“That’s when I was introduced to Spinal Injuries Scotland. They have always been one of my strongest support bases who made me see that I would be ok.
“I’ve recently returned to riding and aim to compete as an amateur powerlifter next year, the main goal being competing at the Paralympics one day. If you had told me I was going to do this 5 years ago I certainly wouldn’t believe you - SIS have encouraged me to make that goal possible.”
Maureen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer at Spinal Injuries Scotland, paid tribute to two cherished members of the SIS family who sadly passed away this year: Mary Ballentyne, Peer Support volunteer, who attended the Dinner Dance every year with her son; and Michelle Anna Moffat, Ambassador, who bravely shared her story at the 2023 event.
Speaking about the impact the annual fundraiser has on the charity, Maureen said: “The Winter Dinner Dance raises vital funds to support patients, their families and friends as they come to terms with a spinal cord injury. Without it, maintaining this level of support would be almost impossible.
“Our thanks go to Digby Brown for their long-standing partnership and their commitment and dedication to our charity. We are deeply grateful for all the time, care and effort that goes into making this event possible.
“To everyone who helped us reach this fantastic total raised, you are helping people rebuild their lives after a spinal cord injury - we are blown away by all the support.”
Julie Degnan, Trustee at SIS, echoed Maureen’s message addressing guests thanking them for their generosity and unwavering support of the charity.
Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of Digby Brown’s Serious Injury department, said: “Without SIS or its volunteers there are so many people and families who would not have the life-affirming support they deserve – that’s why we’ve continued to work passionately alongside them and host this event for more than two decades.”
Craig Semple, Marketing Director at Digby Brown and Chief Party Organiser (CPO) of the event, concluded: “Another year, another successful Winter Dinner Dance raising vital funds for Spinal Injuries Scotland.
“We are honoured to be able to continue to support the charity and we’d like to thank everyone who contributed so generously on the night. Special mention to Des Clarke for being the comedic glue which held the night together.
“Feedback has been incredibly positive. Planning for next year starts now…"
Learn more about Digby Brown’s work with Spinal Injuries Scotland.
-
Share this blog
-
-
