Family Adventures Group Hails Success of Wallace & Gromit’s Beat the Brain Surgeon Fundraiser

Somerset’s Family Adventures Group has hailed the success of a major fundraising event for Bristol Children’s Hospital which raised significant funds to support seriously ill children and their families. 

The Wedmore-based childcare and family leisure group was the headline sponsor of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal’s Beat the Brain Surgeon® fundraiser, held in Bristol on Friday 16th October. 

Money raised through ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and event raffles will go directly to The Grand Appeal, helping fund life-saving medical equipment, research and family accommodation at Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

Hosted by BBC presenters Alex Lovell and Seb Choudhury, the black-tie event saw teams from businesses across the region pit their general knowledge against the hospital’s neurosurgeons in a light-hearted but fiercely contested quiz. 

Family Adventures Group also entered a team, with Your Life Protected eventually taking the honours after successfully beating the brain surgeons. 

Founded in 2019 by Tom and Laura Filer, Family Adventures Group operates nurseries and family attractions across the South West, South Wales and the Midlands, including communities whose children receive specialist treatment at Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

Co-Founder Laura Filer said: “It was a fantastic evening and we’re delighted that Beat the Brain Surgeon has been such a success. 

“There was plenty of friendly rivalry and some very determined teams, but what really matters is the money raised and the difference it will make to children and families going through incredibly difficult times. 

“Bristol Children’s Hospital provides specialist care for children from a huge area, including many of the communities where we operate our nurseries and family attractions. That makes supporting Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal particularly important to us. 

“We were proud to be headline sponsor and to play a part in bringing so many people together for such a worthwhile cause,” she added. 

The Grand Appeal supports Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, funding specialist medical equipment, research and practical support for young patients and their families. 

Among its major projects is a new Patient Hotel near Bristol Children’s Hospital, which will provide 12 en-suite bedrooms for children recovering from serious illness or injury while continuing to receive treatment and rehabilitation. 

The accommodation will allow young patients to stay with their families rather than remain on hospital wards when they no longer need round-the-clock medical care. 

Laura added: “As a business built around children and families, we know how important it is to create safe, supportive environments where youngsters can thrive. 

“The Grand Appeal does extraordinary work to support families when they need it most, and we’re pleased to have helped make this year’s event a success.” 

Headquartered in Wedmore, Somerset, Family Adventures Group operates Little Adventures Nurseries across the South West and Midlands, Green Giraffe Nurseries in South Wales, and two major indoor play attractions – Ocean Adventurers in Cheddar and Space Adventurers in Taunton. 

The group, which combines early years education with family-focused leisure experiences, has been named among The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and has received Federation of Small Businesses and regional tourism awards.