Amanda Leonard, Fundraiser, said: “It was a joy to see familiar faces and to welcome new supporters to our biggest fundraising event in our 2022 calendar.”

The start of the pandemic meant Keynsham Mencap stopped running clubs in the usual way; thanks to the determination of staff and volunteers they adapted services and continued to reach out to members during such an uncertain time.

This gave the charity the opportunity to try new things; they took their services online and virtual, spent more time outside and made visits to families at their homes. Staff and volunteers did whatever it took to ensure members did not feel isolated.

Keynsham Mencap are so pleased of what was achieved during the last two years, despite experiencing challenges they never knew existed and throughout it all, it made the organisation stronger than ever.

The Auction raised in excess of £5,000 on the night which way exceed expectations in what is still a very tricky time. “It felt great to finally be able to hold an actual physical event. We are very grateful to our supporters who continue to keep funds coming in for us; and despite a drop in income experienced.

“This amazing total will make sure we keep doing what we do best: ‘Providing social opportunities for adults and children with learning disabilities and autism,” Amanda added.

Huge thanks go to businesses, iTeam solutions, Longwell Records, Gregory’s Estate Agents, Bristol fun for hire, Homelet’s in Bath, Apex Hotel, Soul Spa, Bailbrook House, SW Disco’s, Espa UK, The Olive Tree Restaurant, Original Wild Bath, Stockwood Golf Club, Congo Falls Adventure Golf, Wall Eden Adventure, Phil Girdlestone photography, Jane Metters, Leanna Biggs Make-up and Hair, Hare Brewery, Bristol Headshots Photographers, Blue Bird Bakery, Clifton Wine School, Bird and Blend, Mulberry and Persimmon Homes, who all contributed to the success of the evening. Special thanks to Simon White, of SW Discos, who stood in as auctioneer and did an outstanding job helping to raise almost £2,500 from just the auction lots alone!