Pendleside Hospice raises £167,926 through its Corporate Challenge

More than 60 businesses took part in this year’s Corporate Challenge; a four month campaign whereby businesses throughout Burnley and Pendle come together to raise vital funds for Pendleside Hospice.

From bake sales and quiz nights to the more daring challenges of skydives and 48 hour static bike rides, the challenge is a great opportunity for companies to get creative and bond as a team.

The collective amount raised was announced at a glitzy award ceremony at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa on Thursday, 2nd November. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Pendleside Hospice to say thank you to our generous community and for everyone to come together and celebrate.

More than 250 people were in attendance for the Corporate Challenge Awards Night, with 13 awards up for grabs. Chairman of the Hospice, David Brown, along with Burnley brand manager, Rachel Bayley, and Lancashire Business View sales director, Joanne Hindley judged the nominations prior to the event. 

Special guests included the Mayor of Pendle & Councillor, Brian Newman, and Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson. The evening was hosted by membership director of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Simon Brierley.

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and took part in a raffle and auction, which raised over £5,000 on the night alone.

The Slimming World team scooped up the Most Raised Award for the night, raising a staggering £19,637 over the four months of the challenge.

A record-number of 28 new businesses joined the campaign this year, which made it incredibly difficult for the judges to decide on a winner for Best Newcomer. Millercare won the award as they demonstrated a real drive for this challenge, bringing in different teams and branches to help fundraise. 

Operations director of Millercare, Tara Butterworth said: “Winning the Best Newcomer Award brought the team an immense amount of pride. It represents our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

"This recognition underscores our dedication to making a positive impact and supporting the invaluable work of Pendleside Hospice. It's a testament to the hard work, teamwork, and passion of our employees, who have embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm.

"Millercare is deeply honoured to be a part of Pendleside Hospice's mission and looks forward to further contributions and collaborations going into 2024.”

Other award winners included Rolls Royce (Best Event), Akorn Legal (Innovation), SER Ltd (Small Business), Silentnight (Large Business), Department for Work & Pensions (Laugh Out Loud), Luckie-Rae Pepper from Lloyd BMW & Mini (Digital Marketing), Joanne Collins from Unique Boilers (Enabler), Colne Networking Group (Team Spirit), Mukhtar Mirza from Tesco Extra, Burnley (Fundraiser) and Thorne Fire & Security (Judges’ Champion).

Two Rising Star Awards were presented to two young men, Ritchie Riley, son of director Kev Riley from Northwest Payments Ltd, and Bailey Collinge, son of Simon and Kristy Collinge from Designer Travel by Simon Collinge.

Following on from the awards, a Special Recognition Award was announced by David Brown to director of Petty Real, Ian Bythell. Ian has been a huge supporter of the Hospice, long before the Corporate Challenge initiative began.

Ian said: “My initial reaction when I won the award was ‘wow’. Pendleside holds a special place in my heart. My father-in-law and mother-in-law were cared for by the Hospice and I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work they do. I have been with Petty for 35 years - starting at the same time the Hospice opened its doors - I have watched it grow into what it has become today. But it’s not without the support of our fantastic community. I do what I do for the cause, but to be recognised is such an honour.”

Chief executive of Pendleside, Helen McVey added: “The amount raised through the Corporate Challenge will go towards patient care. This year will see the cost of running Pendleside exceed the £5.5m mark, with £4.3m of that coming from fundraising efforts and the generosity of people from the Burnley and Pendle communities. Without their support, Pendleside and all of its services to patients with life-limiting illnesses would not be able to function.

We are extremely grateful to our local businesses for coming together and raising such a significant amount - the effort and determination the companies have demonstrated is something to be proud of.”

The Corporate Challenge 2024 will commence in June next year and the Hospice are always looking for new challengers. 

Head of corporate fundraising, Elaine Middleton shares: “Every year, I am in awe at the lengths in which people go to raise money for our charity. Not only is it the perfect way to bring your employees together, it’s also an ideal opportunity to network with like minded businesses, raise funds for a fantastic charity - all while having fun too! 

"Pendleside wouldn’t be able to provide the vital services that they do for the people of Burnley and Pendle without its support and I would urge all local businesses, of any size, to come forward and be part of next year’s challenge. Our soft launch will take place in March, 2024, so please do get in touch.”

If you’d like to put your name down for next year’s Corporate Challenge, please email Elaine. on elaine.middleton@pendleside.org.uk.