February 3, 2016 10.05 am This story is over 97 months old

Lincoln man’s charity quiz in wife’s memory returns for 20th year

£35,000 raised: An annual quiz event which was founded by a Lincoln widower in memory of his wife is celebrating its 20th year.
John Davey with his wife Anne.

An annual quiz event which was founded by a Lincoln widower in memory of his wife is celebrating its 20th year with fundraising topping £35,000.

John Davey, 77, began his quiz night in 1996. Since then thousands of pounds have been donated to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice who cared for John’s wife Anne in her final days.

In December 1992, Anne was admitted to the hospice on Nettleham Road in Lincoln after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

John said: “Anne’s diagnosis came as a real shock to us all especially when we learnt that nothing more could be done for her. It was such a sad time, truly heart-breaking for all the family.

“I was a little apprehensive when it was suggested that Anne should be transferred into the care of the hospice but I was assured that they would be able to help make Anne comfortable and pain free.

“The hospice was a truly wonderful place and the people there were incredibly kind. They took such good care of Anne but they also looked after the whole family too.

“I will always remember the night I fell asleep holding Anne’s hand and I awoke to find that a blanket had been placed over me by one of the kind people there. It’s only a small thing but it is something I will never forget and it really meant a lot.”

During her time in the hospice, Anne and John celebrated Christmas and New Year together.

“I’ll never forget Christmas Eve and the carol singers who were performing in the hospice. The sound of the music drifted into Anne’s room and the most remarkable thing happened, Anne sat up in bed for the first time in a long time and she sat and sang every carol. For that short time, I had my Anne back, she was just like her old self.”

Anne died at the hospice at the age of 56 on January 13 1993, just eight weeks after being diagnosed.

Following her death, John organised two sponsored walks which raised over £8,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

In 1996, John decided to organise a quiz night which became known as the annual Wine and Wisdom fundraiser.

John said: “Wine and Wisdom began as a wonderful way to remember my wife of 29-years and also for our family and friends to remember her too.

“It’s a lovely lasting tribute to my dearest Anne.”

Wine and Wisdom is held on Friday, March 4, from 7pm, at Waddington Village Hall on Mere Road in Lincoln.

Participation cost is £6 per person and teams of 5 – 8 will compete in eight rounds of questions. The winning team will win a bottle of wine each.

Participants can register online here.

For more information, contact Ben Petts, Community Events Fundraiser on 01522 559 515 or e-mail [email protected].