The challenge also delivered a significant impact for local charities. The Lewis Foundation had the highest number of fundraising teams supporting its cause and those teams collectively raised almost £20,000 to help fund the charity’s work supporting adult cancer patients undergoing treatment in hospital.

Commenting on the challenge, Emily Griffiths from The Lewis Foundation said:

“The Challenge offers a unique way to raise funds and get the community involved rather than traditional fundraising. It costs £3.60 to provide a gift pack so with the amount raised, there’s going to be lots of people we can support through a really dark time.”

A Challenge That Brings Everyone Together

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said:

“Every year we are amazed by the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment shown by our teams. The £50 Challenge starts with a simple idea – taking £50 and turning it into something bigger, but what participants achieve goes far beyond fundraising alone.

The challenge brings people together, develops entrepreneurial skills and, most importantly, creates a lasting impact for local charities and the communities they support. We are incredibly proud of every team that took part and grateful to all of our charity partners, sponsors, supporters and volunteers who helped make this year’s challenge such a success.”

The £50 Challenge was launched by Franklins Solicitors in 2018 and continues to encourage businesses and community groups to develop entrepreneurial skills while making a meaningful difference to local causes.

Food pallets packed with essential items have been delivered to charities across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire this Easter, providing vital support to food banks facing increasing demand.

The deliveries, funded through the MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach campaigns, saw seven food pallets distributed to locations, across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, including:

• Baby Basics MK
• Baby Basics Northampton
• Milton Keynes Foodbank
• Shenley Community Centre
• Hope Northampton
• McCarthy Dixon Foundation
• Restore Northampton

The initiative ensures that frontline charities have the resources they need to support individuals and families in need.

Established in partnership between Franklins Solicitors and His Church Charity, MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach raise funds to secure pallets of food and essential goods for redistribution to food banks and community groups across the region.

Richard Humphrey from His Church Charity said:

“We are grateful for all the retail and manufacturing partners who trust His Church to redistribute their surplus products to help vulnerable people through charities, like the amazing organisations we have supported through these campaigns this Easter. This campaign shows what’s possible when businesses and charities collaborate to make a difference in their communities.”

Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors added:

“We are proud to provide ongoing support to the MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach campaigns and to bring some cheer to our local communities this Easter. By donating through these campaigns, businesses can be confident their money goes further, reaching those who need it most through the incredible work of His Church Charity.”

The pallets have been gratefully received… comments have included the following:

Louisa Hobbs from MK Food Bank said:

“The wide variety of food items in the donation – from essential store cupboard staples to cooking ingredients and treats – helps us offer choice, comfort and dignity to the people we support. These donations keep our shelves stocked, enable families and individuals to plan meals they will enjoy and help people feel cared for during difficult times.”

Sabrina Oakey said on behalf of the McCarthy-Dixon Foundation:

“Being able to sit together and share a warm meal helps create a welcoming, family-like environment where everyone feels included and valued.”

With demand for food banks and community support continuing to rise, Franklins Solicitors and His Church Charity are calling on more local businesses to get involved. By making one-off or ongoing donations, organisations can help fund future deliveries and ensure continued support for those who need it most.

To find out more or to set up a donation, visit:

MK Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MK-Food-Reach

Northants Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NH-Foodreach

Statement regarding Hunter’s Solicitors LLP

We are aware of the recent intervention by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) into Hunter’s Solicitors LLP and a number of trading names associated with that firm.

Clarification Regarding Franklins Solicitors LLP

Franklins Solicitors LLP (Milton Keynes and Northampton) is completely separate and independent from Hunter’s Solicitors LLP and its trading names.

Our firm has no connection or affiliation with Hunter’s Solicitors LLP or the firm that traded as Franklins Solicitors in Abingdon.

Our Continued Operations

Franklins Solicitors LLP remains fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 570602) and continues to operate as normal from our offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton.

If any clients or referrers have questions, please contact our team who will be happy to assist.

Franklins Solicitors is proud to announce the success of our Pallets of Hope campaign, which has helped bring vital support and festive cheer to families facing hardship across Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding areas this Christmas.

Through the generosity of employees, supporters and local businesses, the campaign has funded 20 pallets of food, clothing, gifts and essential household items, with a combined retail value of approximately £40,000.

Supporting Local Communities Through Partnership

Working in partnership with His Church Charity, the pallets were distributed to food banks, schools and community centres supporting those most in need.

Beneficiary organisations included:

• Baby Basics
• Foodkind Northampton
• MK Foodbank
• Restore Northampton
• Shenley Community Centre
• The Northampton Hope Centre
• The Shelter MK
• The McCarthy Dixon Foundation
• Water Eaton Foodbank
• Woodford Halse School Foodbank
• YMCA

Community Fundraising Efforts

Fundraising activities included a Christmas Quiz hosted at Franklins’ Ashton House offices, the Milton Keynes tuck shop initiative, and ongoing donations through MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach.

Special thanks are also extended to Lynn from A Fitter Life, who went above and beyond in raising additional funds to support the campaign, further strengthening the community’s ability to give.

Words from Franklins Solicitors

Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors, who spearheaded the campaign, said:

“While Christmas is a time when need is more visible, the reality is that many families in our communities struggle all year round. That’s why we are proud not only to lead the Pallets of Hope campaign, but also to provide ongoing support to MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach.

By donating through these organisations, businesses can be confident their money goes further, reaching those who need it most through the incredible work of His Church Charity.”

Partner Perspective

Richard Humphrey from His Church Charity highlighted the impact of the partnership approach:

“We are grateful for all the retail and manufacturing partners who trust His Church to redistribute their surplus products to help vulnerable people through first class front-line charities, like the 11 amazing organisations we have supported through Pallets of Hope. This campaign powerfully demonstrates what’s possible when businesses and charities collaborate to make a difference in their communities.”

Voices from Supported Charities

Local charities receiving support also praised the initiative.

A spokesperson from The Northampton Hope Centre said:

“The Pallets of Hope campaign has made a real difference to the people we support. Access to food, clothing and household essentials at this time of year helps relieve immediate pressure and allows us to focus on longer-term support.”

Meanwhile, Hannah Forbes from Baby Basics Milton Keynes added:

“The donated items will directly support families with young children who are already under significant financial strain. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their generosity and compassion.”

Hollie-Jasmine, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer at YMCA Milton Keynes commented:

“We were amazed to get a massive pallet of food from Franklins Solicitors through their Fitter Life Pallets of Hope Campaign yesterday. This food will stock our young people’s kitchens this Christmas. Thank you so much for your generous donation.”

Continuing Community Support

Franklins Solicitors would like to thank everyone who donated, fundraised or took part in the campaign, helping to make Christmas brighter for hundreds of local families and supporting sustainable, community-led solutions to hardship.

To find out more about MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach and set up a donation, visit:

MK Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MK-Food-Reach

Northants Food Reach: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NH-Foodreach

Franklins Solicitors LLP is excited to announce the 12 charities that will be supported in the Franklins £50 Challenge 2026, taking place from 23rd February to 29th May 2026.

Charities Selected for the £50 Challenge 2026

The selected charities include returning favourites: The Northampton Hope Centre, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, The Lewis Foundation, The Air Ambulance Service, Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation and Rainbows Hospice.

New charity partners joining the challenge for 2026 are: Action 4 Youth, FoodCycle, Spinal Injuries Association, MK Snap, Milton Keynes Community Foundation and Medical Detection Dogs.

How the Franklins £50 Challenge Works

The annual challenge sees local businesses and organisations form teams. Each team selects one of the participating charities they wish to support. Franklins provides each team with £50, which they must use creatively to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity during the three month challenge. This year, the campaign raised nearly £60,000 and the firm hopes to surpass this total in 2026.

Words from Franklins Solicitors

Andrea Smith, Partner at Franklins Solicitors and champion of the initiative said:

“The £50 Challenge is a brilliant way for local businesses and organisations to get involved in fundraising while supporting the charities that matter most to them. We can’t wait to see the creativity and energy that next year’s teams bring to the campaign.”

Charity Partners Share Their Thoughts

Charities from previous years are looking forward to seeing the results.

Nina Gandy, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Lead at Cynthia Spencer Hospice said:

“The challenge is a fun and inspiring way to engage local supporters. Watching the teams come up with creative ways to fundraise is always amazing. As a charity it is an honour to have been part of the challenge since the very beginning and we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!”

Rebecca Starmer, Corporate Partnership Fundraiser at Rainbows Hospice said:

‘I love this campaign. Last year was the first year we’d taken part and we’re thrilled to have been chosen again. It means so much to the young people we support and it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of the support services we offer.’

New charity partners are equally enthusiastic.

Sallie Stone-Bearne, Fundraiser for the Spinal Injuries Association said:

“Being chosen as a charity partner is an honour. We’re excited to see the innovative ideas teams come up with to raise funds for our cause.”

Charlotte Richardson, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Medical Detection Dogs said:

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen for the campaign – it’s a great platform to raise awareness of our work, develop relationships with local businesses and raise vital funds at the same time.”

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Challenge

The Franklins £50 Challenge, now in its ninth year, continues to support local charities while fostering collaboration and creativity. Businesses interested in forming a team can register their interest via www.franklins50.co.uk.

Charities invited to apply for Franklins £50 Challenge 2026

Franklins Solicitors is calling on local charities to apply to become beneficiaries of the Franklins £50 Challenge 2026.

The Franklins £50 Challenge is a well established fundraising campaign that brings together businesses and charities to raise vital funds and awareness across the region.

The 2026 Challenge will run from 23rd February to 29th May 2026 and will once again support twelve local charities. Charities have until Friday 3 October 2025 to submit their nominations.

The concept is simple. Franklins provides participating businesses with £50 of seed funding, which they are challenged to grow into as much money as possible for their chosen charity over a three month period. From bake sales to skydives, the creativity and enthusiasm of the teams have made the Challenge a community favourite.

About the Franklins £50 Challenge

Now in its eighth year, the Challenge has become a much anticipated fundraising campaign in the region, connecting businesses and charities to raise vital funds and awareness under the banner: Start Small, Grow Big. Make a Difference.

In 2025, a record breaking 57 teams raised over £59,000 for twelve charities across Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding areas, making it the most successful year to date.

Words from Franklins Solicitors

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said:

“The Franklins £50 Challenge is proof that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact. We’re proud to have grown this initiative from supporting just three charities in its first year to twelve today. For 2026, we’re looking forward to partnering with charities that make a real difference to people at every stage of life. It’s a privilege to shine a light on the incredible work being done in our communities.”

How to Apply or Get Involved

Charities based in Milton Keynes, Northampton, or the surrounding areas are encouraged to apply here.

Businesses, organisations and individuals can also register to take part in the challenge as a team on www.franklins50.co.uk.

Jon Corbett Joins Franklins as Strategy Partner

We’re delighted to announce that Jon Corbett has joined our Senior Management Team as Strategy Partner.

Jon is a highly experienced business leader with over 20 years at Director level within Barclays Bank, where he led teams across multiple segments and regions. His career has been defined by strategic leadership, delivering transformation programmes and driving performance through strong stakeholder relationships.

In addition to his corporate experience, Jon co-founded the Silverstone Technology Cluster, supporting business growth in the South-East Midlands region.

Since 2014, Jon has held a number of Non-Executive and advisory roles across both public and private sectors. His insight spans large corporates, SMEs and start-ups alike.

A Strategic Addition to the Team

Reflecting on his decision to join Franklins, Jon said:

“I am delighted to be working with Franklins at a key point as the firm develops and delivers their growth strategy. As I build my new portfolio career, it is critical that I am working with organisations whose values align with my own; I see that within the team here at Franklins. It is a hugely exciting opportunity for me to support the Senior Management Team within Franklins to achieve their strategic goals and ambitions. In addition, I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with the firm’s clients in a similar way.”

Leadership’s Perspective

Speaking about the appointment andrea Smith, Equity Partner, said:

“Franklins has established a solid foundation and built a strong reputation, with a team that is committed to providing outstanding client service. With Jon’s expertise now part of our leadership team, we are confident that our ambitious plans will gain momentum. His wealth of knowledge, skills and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow and navigate the evolving legal landscape. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will have on both our firm and our clients.”

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Franklins £50 Challenge has raised a record-breaking total of £59,219.85 for 12 local charity partners – the highest amount since the initiative began in 2018.

Now in its seventh year, the Franklins £50 Challenge is a unique three-month fundraising campaign that empowers local businesses and community groups to think entrepreneurially and give back. The 2025 Challenge ran from 24th February to 23rd May, with 57 teams from across Milton Keynes and Northampton taking part.

Each team was given £50 by Franklins Solicitors and challenged to turn it into as much money as possible through creative fundraising, all in aid of one of the 12 pre-selected local charity partners. Teams were free to choose which of the official charities they wished to support.

A Celebration of Community and Creativity

The initiative wrapped up in style on Thursday 19th June with an Awards and Celebration Evening at the Delta by Marriott Hotel in Northampton, hosted by Franklins Solicitors. Teams were presented with certificates and awards to recognise standout efforts.

A video showcased some of the fundraising highlights, including activities such as afternoon teas, bake sales, a murder mystery evening, a 24-hour bakeathon, book sales, car boot sales, car washes, coffee mornings, head shaves, disco bingo, drawing competitions, table tennis tournaments and even a sky dive – proving just how far £50 can go with a little creativity and passion.

2025 Award Winners

• Overall Winner: Parias Construction and Interiors Limited
• Runner-up: Commsave Credit Union
• 3rd Place: The Lewis Foundation Coffee Shop (Elgar Centre)
• 4th Place: Mixxos Group
• 5th Place: John Lewis & Partners
• Small Business Superstar: Love Local Hub
• Most Determined: Sophisticake Creations
• Best Example of Teamwork: Kirkby Diamond
• Best Use of Social Media: The Brady Creative
• Best Community Initiative: The Axe and Square
• Most Creative Fundraising Idea: OneFourSix
• Fearless Fundraisers: Commsave (Kate and Jasmine)
• Young Entrepreneurs: Rainbows Young People Team

Words from Our Leaders and Participants

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP, announced the final fundraising total:

“We are beyond proud of what this campaign has become. The £50 Challenge is about empowering our local community to think big with small beginnings – and this year’s total of nearly £60,000 proves just how powerful that can be. Every penny raised will make a real difference to the lives of people across our region.”

TV personality Nick Hewer, who returned to present the awards for a second year, praised the teams’ ingenuity:

“It’s one thing to receive £50 but to turn it into thousands through sheer effort, imagination and heart – that’s impressive. This challenge is more than just fundraising; it’s a masterclass in community spirit and creative thinking. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Marcus Parias from Parias Construction and Interiors Limited, the 2025 overall winner, shared his reaction:

“Taking part in the Franklins £50 Challenge has been incredibly rewarding. We were determined to go all in – and to walk away as overall winners is the icing on the cake. It brought our team closer, allowed us to give back and reminded us what’s possible when we pull together.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Franklins Solicitors will open applications this September for charities interested in being selected as a beneficiary for the Franklins £50 Challenge 2026.

Franklins £50 Challenge 2025: Record Participation and Inspiring Fundraising

The Franklins £50 Challenge 2025 has officially come to a close, following three months of community spirit, creativity and incredible fundraising efforts from local businesses and organisations across Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding areas.

Running from 24th February to 23rd May, this year’s challenge saw a record 56 teams take part – the highest number since the initiative began. Each team was handed £50 by Franklins Solicitors LLP and tasked with turning it into as much money as possible for one of 12 local charity partners, all while keeping their ideas safe, legal and as imaginative as they dared.

2025 Charity Beneficiaries

• The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation
• Al’s Pals
• Willen Hospice
• The Lewis Foundation
• Cynthia Spencer Hospice
• The Air Ambulance Service
• Rainbows Hospice
• Shay’s Smiles
• Milton Keynes University Hospital
• YMCA
• Age UK Milton Keynes
• The Northampton Hope Centre

Creativity and Community in Action

Participants pulled out all the stops with an extraordinary range of fundraising ideas, including midnight bakeathons, samosa making, disco bingo, head shaving, tombolas, art sales, skydiving, football tournaments and murder mystery nights. The creativity, community spirit and generosity displayed was inspiring.

Celebrating Success

The total amount raised – expected to be a record – will be unveiled at a special celebration event on 19th June at the Delta by Marriott Hotel in Northampton, where teams and charity partners will come together to celebrate their collective achievements.

Rosanna Stimson, Head of Marketing at Franklins Solicitors LLP, said:

“The Franklins £50 Challenge is a highlight of our year and we are blown away by the innovation and passion that our teams have shown in 2025. Watching our local community come together with such enthusiasm and creativity for such a broad range of fantastic causes is truly inspiring. We’re proud to play a small part in empowering these efforts and are incredibly excited to reveal the final fundraising total next month.”

Looking to the Future

Now in its seventh year, the Franklins £50 Challenge continues to grow in popularity and impact, championing grassroots fundraising and shining a spotlight on the incredible work being done by local charities.

Charities who would like to become beneficiaries for next year’s campaign will be invited to submit their applications for consideration in September 2025.

Photo Highlight

Photos: The Mixxos Recruitment team organised a charity football match to support the YMCA, raising over £3,000.

Franklins Solicitors and His Church Distribute Over 2,500 Easter Eggs and Essentials

Franklins Solicitors LLP has joined forces with His Church Charity to deliver more than 2,500 Easter eggs, along with essential food items, to charities and food banks across Milton Keynes and Northampton.

This seasonal effort is part of the ongoing MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach campaigns—initiatives launched by Franklins and His Church to help combat food poverty. The campaigns invite local businesses to donate to His Church, which then uses the funds to supply and distribute pallets of food and goods to those in need throughout the region.

Easter Beneficiaries

Among the beneficiaries this Easter were:

• Milton Keynes University Hospital Charity
• Milton Keynes Food Bank
• Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity
• Baby Basics
• Three Pillars Feeding Shelter
• Brackley Community Larder
• YMCA
• Hope Centre Northampton

Words of Thanks from the Community

Louisa Hobbs, Operations Manager at Milton Keynes Food Bank, said:

“Thank you so much to Franklins Solicitors for supporting MK Food Bank through its MK Food Reach initiative. We were absolutely delighted to receive a pallet of wonderful Lindt Easter eggs and a pallet of groceries from His Church this week. The delivery means that we can put an Easter egg in every single food parcel we distribute this week. The pallet of groceries has come at a great time as food stocks are running low and will go to immediate use supporting families and individuals over Easter and beyond.”

Hannah Forbes, Project Manager at Baby Basics, commented:

“We are incredibly grateful to Franklins for their generous sponsorship of a pallet of chocolate eggs. Thanks to their support, we’re able to bring a little extra joy to the families we support by including chocolate eggs in our Easter packages. Donations like this make a real difference and we truly appreciate their kindness and commitment to helping local families in need.”

Franklins’ Continued Commitment

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, explained:

“Since starting the MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach campaigns three years ago, Franklins has been making monthly contributions to help fund pallets of food and essential items for local food banks. This Easter, we wanted to extend that support to some of the incredible local charities we work with and bring some seasonal joy to families and individuals who might be struggling.”

Impact Through Partnership

Christine Wyld from His Church Charity added:

“We’re delighted to partner with Franklins on the Food Reach campaigns. His Church partners with an extensive portfolio of retailers and manufacturers, by providing bespoke, charitable redistribution solutions for residual stock. We are delighted that our partnership has meant that so many charities and individuals have benefitted from our relationship and that these Easter Eggs have been a great blessing.”

Support the MK Food Reach Campaign

To support the MK Food Reach campaign and help make a difference in your community, click here to donate.