AN OXFORD law firm is leading the charge to raise £15m for Queen and charity.

Solicitors Withy King became the first business to rise to the Jubilee challenge this week when they donated £600 – £10 for each year of the Queen’s reign – to Oxfordshire’s Jubilee Fund.

Now the New Inn Hall Street firm is hoping many of the county’s other 25,000 business will follow suit and help raise £15m for good causes.

The Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire has been set up in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year to support the work of local voluntary-run groups and charities, many of which are struggling to survive.

Withy King’s associate and charity committee member, Mike Cooper, said: “We have donated £10 for every year of the Queen’s 60-year reign – and would encourage other businesses to do the same.

“Donate to Celebrate – it really couldn’t be any easier.

“We look forward to seeing the difference the Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire will make.”

The fund is being run by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, which will be laying down a series of fundraising challenges throughout the year.

The first – the Jubilee Magic 60 Challenge next Wednesday, February 29 – is aimed at the county’s business owners.The foundation’s chief executive, Jayne Woodley, said: “This is a win-win situation for participating businesses.

“As an employer you are effectively getting your staff for free on February 29, because it’s a leap year, so what better day to consider donating the equivalent of just 60 minutes or an hour of your payroll cost to our Jubilee Fund?”

She added: “Local community groups are facing real challenges with serious funding cuts, yet more and more people are in need of their support.

“We believe this is a fitting way for local people to join together and turn their admiration and respect for Her Majesty into a lasting legacy.”

  • Businesses interested in donating to the community fund should email jubilee@oxfordshire.org