Eight-Year-Old Entrepreneur Among Stars as Franklins Solicitors' £50 Challenge Raises More Than £50k for Local Charities

An eight-year-old entrepreneur has been recognised for her outstanding fundraising efforts after helping Franklins Solicitors' annual £50 Challenge raise more than £50,000 for charities across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

The 2026 Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge generated an impressive £50,243 for 12 local charities, with 56 teams transforming an initial £50 investment into innovative fundraising projects that made a real difference to communities across the region.

This year's awards ceremony was hosted by businessman and broadcaster Nick Hewer, best known for his role as Lord Sugar's trusted advisor on The Apprentice and Horizon Radio's Chris Gregg

One of the standout winners was Woo Reviews, founded by eight-year-old Woo, who received the Young Entrepreneur Award after raising an impressive £910 through a series of creative fundraising activities.

The highlight of Woo's campaign was Woo Fest, a community street food festival which attracted more than 500 visitors. She used the original £50 investment to produce promotional posters for the event before turning the idea into a successful fundraising initiative.

Speaking after receiving her award, Woo said: "I feel really happy to have won Young Entrepreneur. I used the £50 to print out my posters to promote Woo Fest. I enjoyed getting involved in the challenge because I know the money will go to do something useful and help people."

The award for the highest fundraising total went to Footsteps Travel UK Ltd, whose team raised an outstanding £4,518 for their chosen charity.

Andrea Fountain from Footsteps Travel UK Ltd said: "To win The Highest Fundraiser is absolutely fantastic. We've had great fun, raised an amazing amount of money and been overwhelmed by the support from our clients and the wider community. It's been wonderful to bring people together for such a worthwhile cause."

The £50 Challenge supported a wide range of charities, including The Lewis Foundation, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton Hope Centre, Rainbows Hospice and Medical Detection Dogs.

The Lewis Foundation attracted the largest number of fundraising teams during this year's challenge, with supporters collectively raising almost £20,000. The money will help provide gift packs and practical support for adult cancer patients undergoing treatment in hospital.

Lorraine Lewis from The Lewis Foundation praised the initiative, saying: "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."

Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said the challenge continued to demonstrate the power of community fundraising.

"The £50 Challenge continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when people combine creativity, determination and community spirit. Every team should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished. Together they have raised an amazing amount for local charities while developing new skills and bringing people together for a fantastic cause."

Now in its eighth year, the Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge has become a major fundraising initiative across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. Since launching in 2018, it has raised more than £243,000 for local charities, helping organisations continue their vital work while encouraging businesses, schools, families and individuals to develop entrepreneurial skills and strengthen community connections.