When I first heard the news about Dame Barbara Windsor passing away on December 10th at the age of 83, my thoughts immediately turned to the old ad campaigns she used to do for Jackpotjoy.
As the 'Queen of Bingo' she featured on several big budget campaigns and promotions such as the Royal Ringaround, where she personally spoke to players over the phone and handed out prizes. She was just the perfect brand ambassador, the nation's sweetheart and I was genuinely saddened to hear of her death.
I kept a close eye on the social media accounts for Jackpotjoy at the time and was surprised not to see any sort of post put out to mark her passing on the day, but today I heard that Jackpotjoy's parent company, Gamesys Group, have donated an incredible £83,000 to a Justgiving page set up in her memory by husband Scott Mitchell.
Gamesys made the donation along with the following message:
“An amazing lady and an amazing life – 83 amazing years. Thank you, Babs, for the humour, warmth and joy you brought to us all, and for all you have done for people with Alzheimer’s and their families. A very worthy cause to support in your memory. With best wishes from the whole Gamesys family.”
This is a fantastic gesture and one that will do far more good than any post on social media ever could. So hats off to Gamesys, I salute you.
Help the fundraiser
The Justgiving page was set up by Dame Barbara's husband Scott, who is asking people to consider a donation to Alzheimer's Research UK in her memory.
The fundraiser has raised more than £100,000 so far and if you wish to make a donation you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/damebarbara
