Alexandra House of Joy is more than a dream—it’s a vision of a home away from home, dedicated to supporting adults with profound learning disabilities.
With plans for a day centre featuring sensory gardens, music and art rooms, and respite care, it promises to be a sanctuary for individuals and their families. This October, Dr Darragh Ennis—renowned as “The Menace” on The Chase—joined our mission, hosting a sell-out Quiz Night that raised an astounding £2,948.50.
We’re also incredibly grateful to Michaela and Philip Hollingworth from Lloyds Bank, whose generous contributions amplified the evening’s impact. Through their volunteering and a £500 donation via the Lloyds Bank Foundation Matched Giving Scheme, they played a pivotal role in making this event such a remarkable success.
In this exclusive interview, Dr Ennis shares his thoughts on why Alexandra House of Joy’s mission resonates deeply with him, how quiz culture fosters curiosity, and his perspective on the connection between science, trivia, and entertainment.
Charity and Community Involvement
“Adults with learning disabilities are often overlooked.”
When asked why he chose to support Alexandra House of Joy, Dr Ennis credited a personal connection through friends who champion the charity. “Vince, Chris, and I met through quizzing; we play together every week. I was very happy to help with this wonderful charity as it seeks to help one of the most overlooked sections of our society—adults with learning disabilities.”
Dr Ennis drew parallels between his background in education and the charity’s focus on lifelong learning: “There’s a tendency to forget that education and learning don’t just stop when we leave school or college. The impact of what we learn during and after school influences our quality of life as adults.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Alexandra House’s vision of nurturing creativity and personal growth through spaces like music and sensory rooms. By providing opportunities for engagement and enrichment, we aim to address this often-overlooked need, ensuring learning and joy continue throughout life.
“I hope Alexandra House becomes a vital resource.”
Dr Ennis expressed hope that Alexandra House of Joy will soon become a reality: “The main hope is that funds can be raised to a level that the house can actually be built and run to the highest standards. This would mean that families in the surrounding area who need help can have a resource to relieve the tremendous strain they are under. And adults with learning disabilities would have somewhere capable of properly suiting their needs.”
His words underline the importance of creating spaces that offer both physical care and meaningful engagement—a mission at the heart of Alexandra House of Joy.
Balancing Science and Television
“No knowledge is isolated.”
Transitioning from his reflections on education, Dr Ennis highlighted how quiz culture can spark curiosity in unexpected ways: “People can find out a nugget of information from a TV show like The Chase, or a clip on social media, or on the radio, and that can inspire them to find out more. As a scientist, I always like to add extra interesting bits to my answers where I can, so hopefully, someone can be intrigued enough to try to find out more.”
At Alexandra House of Joy, we recognise that this curiosity drives meaningful engagement. Whether it’s through sensory experiences, creative outlets, or interactive learning, sparking interest is key to enhancing the lives of adults with learning disabilities.
Supporting Alexandra House of Joy
Dr Darragh Ennis’s passion for Alexandra House of Joy highlights the importance of lifelong learning, resilience, and community. His involvement in our Quiz Night not only raised vital funds but also brought awareness to our mission.
We extend our deepest thanks to Michaela and Philip Hollingworth from Lloyds Bank, whose dedication and generosity exemplify the power of community support. From their tireless volunteering to the £500 Lloyds Bank Foundation Matched Giving donation, their contributions were instrumental in achieving the night’s incredible total of £2,948.50.
Thanks to the inspiring help from supporters like Darragh, Michaela, Philip, and our amazing donors and volunteers, we’re closer than ever to making Alexandra House a reality. Together, we’re transforming lives—one milestone at a time.
To learn more about how you can support Alexandra House of Joy, visit our website and join us in making this vision a reality.
