Franklins £50 Challenge 2025 comes to an end
This year, we were lucky enough to be chosen as a charity partner in the Franklins 2025 £50 challenge. The challenge is an innovative fundraising initiative which has been likened to BBC’s The Apprentice, as it puts entrepreneurial skills to the test. The challenge has been running since 2018 and since then has successfully raised over £135,000 for local charities. This year the challenge ran from February through to May, with challenge winners announced in June.
Local companies lend their support
Five local companies pledged to support Milton Keynes Hospital Charity during the challenge with each company given an initial £50 investment. It was then up to each company to be as creative as they could be and develop fundraising ideas that would raise as much money as possible for our charity. Thank you to Brioche Pasquier, Facilities Management Solutions, I Love Catering, Parias Construction and Interiors and Stratos.
Brioche Pasquier
The team over at Brioche Pasquier organised a variety of events including raffles and staff table tennis tournaments raising over £2000 for wards and departments at Milton Keynes University Hospital. Vanessa and Kelly from the charity team were also invited over for a tour of the factory and were lucky enough to sample some of the delicious Brioche Pasquier treats too.
Facilities Management Solutions
Disco Bingo was the theme for local company Facilities Management Solutions who in partnership with their sister company Plumbing and Gas Solutions were also supporting local charity Arthur Ellis. Two nights of fabulous Disco Bingo were organised with additional fundraisers such as raffles and lucky squares, also taking place on the night. The nights were a huge success and raised over £2000 for each charity.
I Love Catering
James from the I Love Catering team wholeheartedly embraced the Franklins £50 challenge, selling cakes and doughnuts in the main entrance area at MKUH; creating a charity cake box that could be purchased online; and then spent a day walking laps of Milton Keynes University Hospital, raising almost £500 for projects to enhance experiences for patients, families and staff.
Parias Construction and Interiors
Not afraid of a challenge, the team at Parias Construction and Interiors (PCI) decided to use their £50 and put it towards Milton Keynes Half and Full Marathon entries. They then spent the three months leading up to the races promoting the challenge and asking for sponsorship, as well as training for the big day of course!
After raising almost £4000, it was time to run and they really did run! Check out their times!
Marcus completed the full marathon in 3.50
Dave completed the half marathon in 1:37
Adam completed the full marathon in 3.27
Stratos
Also keen to challenge themselves, our friends at Stratos decided to enter the Milton Keynes Half Marathon and in doing so, raised over £1000 for wards and departments at Milton Keynes University Hospital. They also organised a “Go Green” day and encouraged other local businesses to “Go Green,” raising another £250.
The Franklins £50 Challenge Awards Ceremony – Winners are revealed
So, who won? Which company turned their £50 into more than anyone else for their chosen charity? We are delighted to reveal that it was our very own Parias Construction and Interiors (PCI) and we could not be prouder of the team or more grateful for their support.
A huge thank you to Franklins for organising the challenge and helping to raise vital funds for so many local charities.
