#AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge raises £1,500 for Maundy Relief

#AmazingAccrington's Soapbox Challenge on Saturday, 27th August was a fun event for 15,000 visitors from all over the North West all enjoying the spectacle and weather. It wasn't just for fun though - the profit from entry fees will once again benefit the people of Hyndburn, by being donated to local charity Maundy Relief. #AmazingAccrington was able to donate a huge £1,500 and has donated each year the Soapbox Challenge has run.

Maundy Relief is a registered charity based in #AmazingAccrington. The primary aim of the organisation is to support the local community through providing household furniture, goods and food; counselling for those in mental distress; companionship for the lonely; advice and informal advocacy for those struggling with bureaucracy; as well as hosting group activities and training.

Julie Hesmondhalgh is a patron of Maundy Relief, and was delighted to receive the cheque on their behalf. She commented, "On behalf of everyone at Maundy Relief, we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part in the Soapbox Challenge, plus to our sponsors. Thanks so much for this fantastic amount which will go a huge way to helping people who really, really need it at the moment. Thank you and hopefully we'll see you next year - get involved!"

Charlotte Sheffman of event sponsors Accrington and Rossendale College said: "It was a fantastic event and Accrington town centre was absolutely heaving with loads of people. All the businesses and organisations of Accrington that entered the Soapbox had a great day, and the sun shone on us! Best of all, we've raised money for a really good cause, Maundy Relief. We are looking forward to next year already!"

The Soapbox Challenge was so popular #AmazingAccrington have already pencilled the date in for next year, Saturday 26th August - 20 places have been released for early bookings, you can book in on www.amazingaccrington.co.uk.

Sponsors for the Soapbox Challenge included Sundown Solutions, Nelson and Colne College Group, Emerson & Renwick, and Financial Affairs.

Check out the Amazing Accrington website www.amazingaccrington.co.uk and their social media channels for more coverage from the event. 

Photo caption top: Julie Hesmondhalgh accepting the Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge donation on behalf of Maundy Relief 

Photo caption centre: The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge saw 15,000 visitors