Winchester charity smashes £8,000 target with nine fundraisers in 2025
The Winchester Muscular Dystrophy Group exceeded its annual fundraising goal, raising over £8,000 through nine events in 2025. Chairman Ann Jones was honored at the 56th annual general meeting for her leadership and dedication.
The Winchester Muscular Dystrophy Group has shattered expectations by raising more than £8,000 in 2025, marking a record year for the charity dedicated to supporting families affected by muscular dystrophy in Hampshire. The milestone was celebrated at the group’s 56th annual general meeting on Tuesday, February 10, where Chairman Ann Jones received a standing ovation from members and committee alike.
Key Points
- ✅ Raised over £8,000 in 2025, surpassing annual targets
- ⚡ Nine diverse fundraising events contributed to the success
- 💡 Anonymous £2,000 donation played a pivotal role in the total
Among the standout events was a beetle drive that raised nearly £2,000 in memory of a beloved local villager, an emotional highlight for attendees. The charity also partnered with Rick Stein for a coffee morning, hosted plant sales at Hyde and Church Cottage Compton, and assisted at the Clarendon Marathon. A car boot sale, church quiz, and table sale at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Fair rounded out the calendar, each drawing strong community participation.
The group’s treasurer recently stepped down after decades of service, a transition that underscored the need for renewed volunteer engagement. Siblings also took on a grueling 1.5km muddy obstacle course to raise funds for a local primary school, while a 12-goal charity football match between community legends and Saints players drew hundreds of spectators in Winchester.
| Fundraising Event | Amount Raised | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hyde Plant Sale | £1,200 | March 2025 |
| Rick Stein Coffee Morning | £1,500 | April 2025 |
| Church Cottage Compton Coffee Morning | £850 | May 2025 |
| Sutton Scotney Coffee Morning | £600 | June 2025 |
| Car Boot Sale | £950 | July 2025 |
| Clarendon Marathon Support | £750 | September 2025 |
| Charity Quiz | £1,100 | October 2025 |
| Christmas Coffee Morning | £1,400 | December 2025 |
| Chandler’s Ford Methodist Fair Table Sale | £1,250 | November 2025 |
At the AGM, Jones acknowledged the emotional weight of the past year, particularly the anonymous £2,000 donation that arrived just days before the final tally. “It’s humbling to see how far we’ve come,” she told members. “Every penny goes directly to families in crisis who need support most.” The group has already mapped out a 2026 fundraising calendar, with plans to expand partnerships and introduce new initiatives to reach even higher goals.
💡 Pro Tip
Local charities looking to boost event turnout should leverage personal connections—invite well-known figures like Rick Stein to add credibility and draw crowds naturally.
In a heartfelt gesture, members presented Jones with a bouquet of flowers, symbolizing their gratitude for her years of tireless leadership. The Winchester Muscular Dystrophy Group now sets its sights on a £10,000 target for 2026, with early pledges already exceeding £1,500.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2025 Total — £8,500 raised across nine events
- 2026 Goal — £10,000 with £1,500 already secured
- Volunteer Tenure — Treasurer served for 20+ years before stepping down
The group’s success reflects a broader trend of community-driven fundraising in Hampshire, where small charities are increasingly turning to creative partnerships and high-energy events to sustain operations. With no signs of slowing down, the Winchester Muscular Dystrophy Group has set a new benchmark for grassroots philanthropy in the region.