BUSINESSES took up a boardroom challenge that would impress Lord Sugar all in the name of helping St Rocco’s Hospice.

A number of organisations from across the town tackled the St Rocco’s Hospice Corporate Challenge which saw each team handed £50 and asked to turn that money into much needed money for the charity.

And after starting out with the lowly sum at the start of 2013 33 businesses were able to hand back more than £119,000 to the hospice.

The money raised for the hospice came through a wide variety of fundraising events including raffles, bake sales to a Three Peaks Challenge.

Staff also took part in annual St Rocco’s events including it’s a knockout, dragon boat race and the Starlight Walk.

Alison White, matron at St Rocco’s, said: “We are truly humbled by the generosity and tireless hard work of all our corporate partners.

“Everyone pulled out all the stops to help St Rocco’s this year - many of the companies raised four and five figures sums – while having great fun.

“Lots of the companies who worked with us also did volunteering projects like gardening and leaflet drops - all fantastic means of support.”

Awards were given out for those who had put special effort into their fundraising with Nicky Mitchell of Lloyds winning individual champion, the Capita team winning an award for the most innovative idea and team of the year went to Warrington Borough Council.

The overall winner of the challenge was Total Steel and Fabrications, who raised £13,757.75.

The Corporate Challenge was sponsored by Assura who provided the £50 stake, the trophies and the challenge books handed to all those who took part.

The money raised all year has helped towards a project at the hospice to build a communal area for patients and their families and to help equip that area.

“Overall everyone who took part in the Challenge has helped to make a huge difference to the families we care for. We can’t thank our companies enough,” added Alison.

The Corporate Challenge will continue into 2014 with extra challenge events for 2014 including a Snowdon Challenge and Trek Fest5- a 24 hour walk over 54 miles.

For more information contact clairehoughton@stroccos.org.uk.