Penny Black’s Social Diary: Donna Klopp’s triumph ; Aviva’s Madness

Donna Klopp’s triumph

Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president of Enterprise Mobility, took on Donna Scully, joint owner and director of Carpenters Group, in a football match that raised £150,000 for Insurance United Against Dementia.

Sandell shared: “It was Stu Lasso’s Blue’s vs Donna Scully/Klopp’s Yellows. Yes, the Blues suffered a fairly brutal 11–2 defeat. And yes, there are already people making sure I don’t forget it anytime soon. But the real reason we came together had nothing to do with the result.”

As well as raising cash, the match raised awareness. Every shirt on the pitch had the number three on the back to remind people that every three minutes in the UK someone develops dementia.

“Football gives us memories we carry forever. The last-minute winner. The penalty shoot-out. That VAR decision. The laughter and cheers from the sidelines,” wrote Sandell.

“Most of us assume those memories will always be there but for millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, that isn’t guaranteed.

“For one day, football became more than a game. It became a way to stand alongside those facing something incredibly difficult. A way to raise awareness. A way to raise support. A way to remind people they are not alone.

“To every player, supporter, organiser, helper, sponsor, donor, and friend who contributed – thank you.” 

Penny’s Lunch Box

Duck balls too big to put in your mouth recently came flying Penny’s way, courtesy of Aviva. 

These meaty morsels were a delicious, but slightly too substantial, canapé to eat while standing up at the insurer’s House of Fun British Insurance Brokers’ Association conference event, which featured a performance from music legends Madness. Four stars.