A single evening of laughter, dice, and community spirit in rural Hampshire delivered a lifeline to a hospice still grieving the loss of one of its own.
On a chilly Friday in April, Tracy White stood in the car park of Kings Somborne Working Men’s Club and watched as headlights cut through the twilight. Inside, 48 players and four helpers gathered for a beetle drive—one of her father’s favorite games—to celebrate the life of Mike Snellgrove, who died of cancer on March 15, 2024. “He loved the game,” White said. “It was one of the ways he unwound after long days at the timber yard.”
💡 Pro Tip
Hosting a themed fundraiser like a beetle drive taps into nostalgia and simplicity, making it easier for communities to rally around a cause while honoring a personal connection.
The event wasn’t just about cards and dice. A £650 nightly haul from donations, entry fees, and a raffle soon ballooned after a re-raffled hamper, a £250 gift from Puma Fire Products in Winchester, and spontaneous village donations pushed the total higher. CGM Solicitors in Southampton topped it off with a £500 contribution, sealing the final figure at £1,912.50.
| Contributor | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Door donations & entry fees | £650 | Event revenue |
| Puma Fire Products | £250 | Local business donation |
| Re-raffled hamper | £212.50 | Community gift |
| CGM Solicitors | £500 | Corporate gift |
| Village donations | £300 | Public support |
White insists the money isn’t just a number. “One weekend nurse means families don’t face the weekend alone,” she said. “That’s the gap Mike’s hospice team filled for us.” The Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover had cared for Mike at home, allowing him to die peacefully surrounded by his belongings and family.
Key Points
- ✅ £1,912.50 raised at April 18 beetle drive in Kings Somborne
- ⚡ Funds will pay for a weekend palliative care nurse at the hospice
- 💡 Event mirrored Mike Snellgrove’s love of the classic dice game
The hospice team who attended the drive described it as “a beacon of hope.” Staff who cared for Mike were visibly moved, with one nurse telling White, “We’re the light in dark times—and you’ve shone one back tonight.” The event has already sparked plans for a repeat next year, with local pubs and shops like Smith Bradbeers, The Mill Arms, The Sun Inn, and Viney Premier Shop pledging early support.
📋 By The Numbers
- March 15, 2024 — Mike Snellgrove dies after home hospice care
- April 18, 2024 — Beetle drive held in his honor
- 48 players — Competed in the card and dice tournament
- £500 — CGM Solicitors’ corporate gift
White’s tribute isn’t just financial. It’s personal. “Mike’s last weeks were filled with his grandchildren’s laughter, his favorite records, and the quiet hum of the hospice team,” she said. “We wanted to give back what they gave us—time, dignity, and peace. This event is our way of keeping that light alive.”
