Franklins £50 Challenge Hits Halfway Mark with £17,000 Raised for Local Charities

Teams from across Milton Keynes, Northampton and surrounding areas have raised nearly £17,000 (excluding gift aid) for 12 local charities, with hopes high for hitting the ambitious £50,000 target by the end of the campaign.

The Franklins £50 Challenge has hit the halfway mark and is already showing impressive results. 

Now in full swing, the initiative invites teams from local businesses to turn a £50 donation from Franklins Solicitors into as much fundraising as possible within three months. This year’s 12 chosen charities are: The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, Al’s Pals, Willen Hospice, The Lewis Foundation, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, The Air Ambulance Service, Rainbows Hospice, Shay’s Smiles, Milton Keynes University Hospital, YMCA, Age UK Milton Keynes, and The Northampton Hope Centre.

Launched in February, the 2025 campaign has seen 60 participating teams throw themselves into creative fundraising. Events so far have included disco bingo, raffles, head shaving, samosa making, sponsored silences, bake sales, car boot sales, quizzes, and even table tennis tournaments.

With the campaign running until 23rd May, the total raised is expected to climb as more fundraising efforts unfold. The second half of the challenge will feature even more ambitious activities, such as football tournaments, marathon running, the Three Peaks Challenge – and even a skydive.

Jacob Holmes from Kirkby Diamond, who braved a head shave in aid of The Air Ambulance Service, shared his experience:
“Kirkby Diamond has had such a great time partaking in the Franklins £50 Challenge. The shaving and waxing was definitely a memorable moment for us all, and it’s been amazing to see how passionate everyone is about raising money for these incredible local causes. Kirkby Diamond is proud to be part of something that’s making such a difference to the community.”

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, praised the efforts made so far:
“We’re incredibly proud of the dedication and creativity demonstrated by the teams involved in the Franklins £50 Challenge. To have already raised nearly £17,000 at the halfway point is an outstanding achievement, and we know there’s much more to come. We’re looking forward to seeing what the remaining weeks bring as more events and activities take place to support these wonderful local charities.”

The challenge continues until the end of May, with the goal of raising at least £50,000 for charity. Find out more at www.franklins50.co.uk.