Businesses from across Greater Manchester raise thousands of pounds for us

The Accumulator Challenge, which was pitched as a Dragons’ Den meets The Apprentice fundraiser, saw companies tasked with raising as much money as possible from £100 in a bid to achieve the most profit over a month long period.

Teams of varying sizes from a diverse range of businesses took part and competed throughout October, with the aim of becoming The Ultimate Accumulator.

Organisations could choose to spend the initial capital of £100 as they saw fit – as long as it was legal – and could decide to reinvest or put all their money behind one big activity.

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said:  “We’re incredibly appreciative of all the hard work that has gone into making this year’s Accumulator such a success.  The teams have raised a massive £15,279.98 for the hospice, which is incredible.

“We’re thrilled that everyone who took part really threw themselves into raising as much money as possible for St Ann’s.  It will make a real difference to the lives of the local patients we care for, and their families too.”

A special awards ceremony was held at OnThe7th, The Landing, MediaCityUK to celebrate the end of the challenge.

This year, a team from Stockport Homes won the accolade of The Ultimate Accumulator, raising an amazing £3,917 for the charity.

Tracy Sweeting from Stockport Homes, said: “St Ann’s Hospice has been our charity of the year for two years now. We are so proud by how engaged, supportive and motivated our staff have been in their efforts to raise money for this truly amazing charity.

“The Accumulator Challenge was fully embraced by everyone involved; from trekkers climbing Snowdon, to people dressing down, eating doughnuts and buying raffle tickets! It’s been a pleasure to part of this year’s challenge and it’s helped us to exceed our £30,000 overall fundraising target!”

Eversheds-Sutherland came in second, raising £2,836.51. Jon Walters, one of the Partners at the company said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have come second place in the Accumulator Challenge, raising £2,836 for St Ann’s, one of our office nominated charities of the year.

“Our St Ann’s accumulator squad put on a variety of initiatives – including Gin for the Win, Tigger on Tour, and Partner Promises – had a lot of fun, and got the whole office involved, with fantastic results.”

An award was also presented to Business for Breakfast, Stockport, who were crowned the Ultimate Innovators after their unusual fundraising tactics, including a Pudding event and an auction with a re-auction.

This year’s challenge was sponsored by OnThe7th and Swizzels.

*For more information on how businesses can support St Ann’s, please call 0161 498 3631 or email corporate@sah.org.uk