Gala Bingo Walsgrave has officially been crowned the leading bingo company’s highest fundraising club ever after reaching a massive £50k following its latest activity - a team bungee jump.

Spearheaded by Gala Bingo Walsgrave’s general manager Gary Colledge, the last two years have seen the team skydive, run marathons, take on bike rides and the infamous 3 Peaks Challenge, put on numerous charity bingo games, organise summer fetes and hold a night of can-can dancing to raise money for Gala Coral Group’s charity, Sue Ryder Care.

After Gala Bingo in Peterborough pipped Walsgrave to the post as the leading fundraising club in 2009, the competitive spirit took over and the team at the club based in Brade Drive decided to up their game and raise even more money in 2010.

Gary said of Gala Bingo Walsgrave’s incredible feat: “The last two years have been truly memorable and we could not have done it without such a great team here at Gala Bingo Walsgrave. Special thanks goes to our loyal customers who have been brilliant and supported us on every challenge. Sue Ryder Care is a great charity and really makes a difference providing end of life and long-term care to people living with conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, stroke and Huntingdon’s disease.”

In the West Midland Sue Ryder Care provides homecare for adults with end of life and long-term conditions. The service also supports a number of adults under an ’enablement’ programme, allowing them to access community services, leisure activities and other interests.

Vicki Collins, fundraiser at Sue Ryder Care, said: “Gary and the team at Gala Bingo Walsgrave are truly amazing to raise such an incredible amount of money. We cannot express our gratitude and thanks enough to them all.

Gary added: “I am just so proud of what we have achieved as a team. Six months ago I never would have believed that we could raise an additional £30k to take us to the £50k grand total. I am definitely looking forward to a break over Christmas before my next challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011.”

Dr Colin Morgan, head of corporate responsibility for Gala Coral Group, said: “Our partnership with Sue Ryder Care has been an incredible success and we are thrilled that at the end of our two year campaign we’ve been able to hit our £1.5 million target.”

He added: “We’re very proud of the contribution from clubs like Gala Bingo Walsgrave who have really thrown themselves into the cause. Gary Colledge and his team are an inspiration and should enjoy a very happy Christmas.”

For more information on Sue Ryder Care visit www.suerydercare.org. For more information on the Gala Coral Group visit www.galacoral.co.uk

About Sue Ryder Care

Sue Ryder Care is a leading healthcare charity providing specialist palliative, neurological and community based services. Sue Ryder provides four million hours a year of expert and compassionate care and support for people living with serious illnesses and conditions, as well as their families and loved ones. Sue Ryder enables people living with illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington Disease, to get the best from their lives. Sue Ryder believes that everyone who needs our expert care should be able to receive it and live their lives with dignity, independence and free from pain.