Celebrating Lanware's 30th birthday with charity and fun

In celebration of Lanware’s 30th Birthday, we embarked on an ambitious and heartwarming journey to raise £30,000 for charity within a year. This milestone was not just about marking three decades of success but also about giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact to help others. It was an extraordinary effort, with the entire Lanware team coming together to organise a variety of fundraising events that not only reached our financial goal but also brought immense satisfaction to everyone involved.

The charities we support

We chose two remarkable charities that have been tirelessly working to improve lives. The first is Help for Children UK, an organisation closely aligned with our industry and is dedicated to eradicating child abuse worldwide. Since its inception, Help for Children UK has provided grants to local communities to support effective child abuse prevention and treatment interventions, transforming over a million lives.

Our second charity, Phyllis Tuckwell, holds a special place in our hearts. This hospice care charity provided incredible support to our founder and his family during his battle with cancer in 2014. Based in Farnham, Phyllis Tuckwell offers supportive and end-of-life care to adult patients with advanced or terminal illnesses.

A year of fun and fundraising

Throughout the year, we organised a series of events that not only raised funds but also brought the Lanware team closer together. From bake sales and Christmas jumper days to golf days and a quiz night, each event was met with enthusiasm and generosity from our employees, clients, and partners.

Kicking off with a fun run

The Lanware 30 for 30 fundraising campaign kicked off on October 11th, 2023, with a fun run around the City of London and a launch event at the Revolution Bar. This event was a resounding success, with Team Lanware completing well over 100km and raising over £5,000 for our chosen charities. It was a fantastic start, setting the tone for the year ahead with more fundraising events planned.

Next stop Cambridge Half Marathon

The next challenge was a solo effort by Henry Duncombe, our Managing Director. Despite undergoing various treatments for Achilles tendonitis when growing up, he took his flat feet to the streets of Cambridge on Sunday 3rd March, to complete their half marathon. He finished in just over two hours, which was an incredible effort and set the stage for the next event. 

The ultimate perseverance test

A main highlight was the Jurassic Coast 100K Ultra Challenge, where two of Lanware’s directors, James Tovey and David Mansfield, along with volunteer Ian Murray, took on the gruelling 100km run along the stunning Jurassic Coast. Their dedication was truly inspiring, and their efforts were handsomely rewarded with significant donations.

The Bull vs Bear Big Quiz Night

One of the most memorable events was the Bull vs Bear Big Quiz Night held on October 3rd. This event was a fantastic opportunity for teams to test their trivia knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition. The quiz night featured nine scintillating rounds, including classic trivia, quirky rounds like guessing whether pictures were real or created by AI, and the world-famous “Service Station or Cheese?” round. The winning team, “The Best Team Name,” scored an impressive 90 points, while the actual best team name award went to “CTRL+ALT+DRINK,” who also received the wooden spoon for their efforts.

The quiz night was not only a fun and engaging event but also a significant fundraiser for our chosen charities. The support from our sponsors, including Abacus Group, ACA, Fund HQ, 2&20, and 1961 Consulting, was invaluable, and their contributions helped make the night a resounding success. A special thank you goes to our chief referees, Harrison and Siobhan, who kept everything running smoothly.

The MSP Golf Cup

Another exciting event was the MSP Golf Cup, held on October 10th 2024 at Walton Heath Golf Club. This event brought together our friends and fellow MSPs, including Abacus, ECI, Charles Sq, and RFA, for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. It was a fantastic opportunity to share some MSP war stories and enjoy a round of golf while raising money for our chosen charities.

The competition was fierce, with each team vying for the prestigious title of MSP Golf Cup Champion. Despite the rivalry, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and good spirits, as everyone enjoyed the beautiful course and the chance to network with their peers. A big thanks go to Tom Cole, Jamie Smith, Barry Cohen, Gareth Broekmann, and George Ralph for making this wonderful fundraising event a reality.

The joy of giving back

The joy and satisfaction of working towards a common goal to raise an ambitious £30,000 for charity were palpable throughout the year. Each event was not just about raising money but also about coming together as a team and making a difference. The bake sales, for instance, showcased the culinary talents of our office team, with a range of savoury and sweet treats that delighted everyone. The Christmas jumper day brought festive cheer and camaraderie, with games and quizzes that had everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Great memories and new friendships were made and created a team spirit that will last.

Looking ahead

Due to the success of the past year, we are all excited and determined to continue our fundraising efforts and make an even bigger impact. We intend to hold both the MSP Golf Day and Bull V’s Bear Big quiz nights as annual events, which gives a true legacy to the 30 for 30 campaign.

A heartfelt thank you

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Lanware 30for30 campaign. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made this journey truly special, and we are grateful for your contributions. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of those supported by Help for Children UK and Phyllis Tuckwell, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to this important work in the future.

The Lanware 30 for 30 campaign has been a remarkable journey of charity and teamwork. It has shown us the power of coming together for a common cause and the immense satisfaction that comes from giving back. As we celebrate our 30th birthday, we are proud of what we have achieved and excited for the future. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together!