BARNSLEY Hospice’s innovative ‘Accumulator Challenge’ saw 23 local businesses raise more than £16,000 in just a month.

Every year the hospice’s Simon Atkinson adopts the alias of Lord Sweetener and pays local businesses £30 to raise as much money throughout March.

From work-placed raffles, fancy dress, themed baked goods, duck racing and many more inventive and whacky fundraising ideas, staff members went above and beyond to raise vital funds for Barnsley Hospice’s services.

Simon said: “Our Accumulator Challenge has grown year on year in terms of its popularity and participation, and the generous businesses never cease to amaze us at the hospice with their innovative and tireless fundraising efforts.

“As long as it’s safe and legal, we encourage everyone to be as inventive as possible and, most importantly, we encourage them to put the ‘fun’ into their fundraising.

“Every team has certainly done that and we have been bowled over by their support.”

Participants in the Accumulator Challenge celebrated their achievements at a special awards ceremony at Barnsley Hospice, where the grand total of £16,035.62 was unveiled and winners of the biggest fundraiser and most innovative idea were announced.

Simon added: “We want to say a huge thank you to everybody who took part and supported each business in their fundraising ventures.

“Truly everybody who simply took part was a winner, and we are so grateful everybody worked hard to raise as much money for the palliative and end-of-life services we provide for the people of Barnsley and their loved ones.

“We’re so grateful and thank everybody from the bottom of our hearts.”