Brain Game smashes £500,000 fundraising mark for end-of-life charity

This year’s Derbyshire Brain Game, which was supported by several Marketing Derby Bondholders, has raised more than £60,000 for an end-of-life charity.

The event, in aid of Marie Curie UK, recently took place at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium.

It saw almost 300 guests (including Marketing Derby and many of its Bondholders) take part in a seven-round quiz, hosted by Adam Buss.

This year, Smith Partnership took home the winners’ trophy, a unique design created by Jowita, a talented Derby College Group student.

The trophy, featuring Marie Curie’s iconic branding, was selected as part of an annual student design project led by lecturer Pete Gardner.

Cash was also raised from an auction held on the night, hosted by Steve Salloway, from Salloway Property Consultants.

It was the 12th time the Brain Game had been held – and the money raised this year brings the total amount raised by the event to over £500,000.

All funds raised go directly to supporting Marie Curie’s range of services, including in-home nursing care, hospices, bereavement counselling, and a free information and support line, all of which provide comfort, dignity, and expert guidance to those navigating the challenges of terminal illness.

Dean Nelson, member of The Derbyshire Brain Game Committee, said: “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our headline sponsors, MasterMover, Work Wallet, and my own firm, PKF Smith Cooper, for their generous support.

“The continued loyalty of our regular attendees, volunteers and sponsors is absolutely vital to the success and longevity of this event.”

Matthew Nickson, Marie Curie’s community fundraiser for Derbyshire, said: “The continued generosity and enthusiasm of everyone who attends The Derbyshire Brain Game is truly overwhelming.

“Every pound raised helps ensure no one faces end of life alone. We are incredibly grateful to all who contribute, especially our sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

“This year we have raised over £60,000, which will fund approximately 2,640 hours of specialist nursing care.

“With this year’s total, the event has now raised over £500,000 since its inception in 2012.”

The Derbyshire Brain Game will return in 2026, with the date already confirmed for Thursday 8 October, once again at Pride Park Stadium.

For more information, contact the organising team at derbyshirebraingame@gmail.com.