DIY chain raises £110,000 with charity dinner, reaching its fundraising target for first ever charity partnership.
A charity dinner held by Wickes in London raised £110,000, helping the DIY retailer hit its £1m milestone for Leukaemia Research.

The charity dinner - the third of its kind organised by Wickes - was held at the Science Museum on November 18 and was attended by 400 of the company's suppliers and top fundraisers. Tickets, a raffle and an appeal on the night raised £70,000, while an auction of top prizes, including a holiday to South Africa and the chance to lay golf with Sir Ian Botham, raised an incredible £40,000.

Wickes managing director Jeremy Bird said: "It's been a momentous year of achievements, with colleagues taking on marathons, organising fun days and even climbing Kilimanjaro to raise money for Leukaemia Research. To get to the £1m mark is fantastic, especially as it's our first ever charity partnership - it's a real testament to the generosity of our colleagues, customers and suppliers."

The partnership between Wickes and Leukaemia Research was first announced in October 2006. Since then, Wickes colleagues across the country have organised events and taken part in fundraising initiatives. Fundraising merchandise, such as joke books, torch keyrings, chocolates and wristbands has also been sold in Wickes stores.

Leukaemia Research director of fundraising Kate White said: "Wickes has shown an incredible commitment and dedication to fundraising for Leukaemia Research since the partnership began. To reach £1m is amazing and it will make a real difference to the lives of people touched by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma."