This National Bingo Day – June 27 – the UK’s leading online bingo site, Jackpotjoy, is donating £73,000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of Dame Barbara Windsor – who died with Alzheimer’s in 2020.
In keeping with the bingo callout, ’73, Queen Bee’, Jackpotjoy, which is part of Bally’s Corporation, will hold an auction to sell several iconic dresses worn by Dame Barbara – their ‘Queen of Bingo’ – in many of their bingo adverts between 2010 to 2017, in a bid to raise more funds for the charity.
Four of her bold and beautiful dresses will go under the hammer live online on July 6 at www.hansonslive.co.uk but you can start bidding as soon as the catalogue goes live on June 29.
Since her death, Jackpotjoy has donated a total of £222,000* to the UK’s leading dementia research charity, in memory of the legendary actress.
Sadly, there are now almost one million people living with dementia in the UK, yet there are no treatments available that slow or stop the diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s, that cause it. Alzheimer’s Research UK is working to change this by investing in groundbreaking research to bring about life-changing treatments for people with dementia.
Scott Mitchell, husband of the late Dame Barbara Windsor and Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador said: “I’d like to thank Jackpotjoy for their generous donation to Alzheimer’s Research UK in Barbara’s name. Barbara had so much fun working on the set for the adverts, but I know she’d want to give the dresses a new lease of life, especially for a good cause! I’m pleased we can give her fans something back, while raising more funds for life-changing dementia research.”
Lucy Squance, Director of Supporter-Led Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Jackpotjoy for all the vital funds they’ve donated to Alzheimer’s Research UK over the last two years. By auctioning Dame Barbara Windsor’s famous costumes in aid of dementia research, we’re able to continue her legacy and raise more funds for life-changing dementia research.
“Sadly, one in two of us will know someone affected by dementia and will know all too well the devastation dementia causes. Which is why we must give hope to families today, and to future generations to come. We all have a part to play in ending the heartbreak of dementia.”
Lee Fenton, CEO of Gamesys Group PLC said: “We are proud to be associated with Alzheimer’s Research UK again on this special day where we celebrate bingo and raise much needed funds for dementia research.”
Charles Hanson said: “It’s a privilege to host the online auction of Dame Barbara Windsor’s iconic Queen of Bingo dresses for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a wonderful cause. Together, we can raise funds to battle a condition which took an immense toll on Barbara’s life. She was a national treasure who brought joy to millions. Hansons will do its utmost to honour her memory.”
The auction will be run online by Hansons Auctioneers, with support from celebrity auctioneer and founder, Charles Hanson. To enter or find out more, visit: alzheimersresearchuk.org/campaign/bid-for-a-breakthrough
To bid on Barbara’s gloriously glamorous frocks, create an account with Hansonslive
