Businesses leaders put to the test as TaskRaiser raises £20,964

Nine local business leaders swapped the boardroom for a series of unusual challenges as they took part in St Nicholas Hospice Care’s TaskRaiser event, raising an incredible £20,964 to support local hospice care.

Instructed by Task Master Simon Spence KC, participants faced a variety of tasks designed to test their teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills and ability to perform under pressure, all while raising vital funds for the hospice.

Throughout the day, challengers tackled a series of increasingly demanding tasks, from constructing the tallest freestanding structure using everyday materials, to creating sandwiches in complete silence, producing blindfolded portraits of the Task Master and competing in a fast-paced pedometer challenge.

Taking part this year were Martin Moore, from Becketts, Richard Rout, a county councillor for Hardwick, Craig Jarvis, an entrepreneur, James Yeandle, from Everywhen, Martin Fish, from Handelsbanken, Rachel Royal, from the Women in Business Network Suffolk, Jess Darnell, from The Coffee House, Austin Cornish, from Bury Developments Limited and Alan Brown, from Ashtons Legal.

Abby Mayes, Corporate Fundraising Manager at St Nicholas Hospice Care, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in our first TaskRaiser event. The enthusiasm, good humour and determination shown by all nine challengers throughout the day was fantastic to see.

“To raise £20,964 is an amazing achievement and every pound will help us continue providing care and support to local people and their families when they need us most.

“I’d like to thank each of our participants for stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing every challenge thrown at them by Simon, as well as everyone who sponsored, supported and encouraged them along the way. The generosity shown by our community never ceases to amaze us.”

Funds raised through TaskRaiser, which was sponsored by Everywhen, will help St Nicholas Hospice Care continue providing specialist palliative care, practical support and emotional support to patients and their families across West Suffolk and Thetford.

Abby added: “The support of our business community is vital. Events like TaskRaiser not only raise much-needed funds but also help strengthen the relationships that enable us to continue caring for people across our communities. We are hugely thankful to everyone who helped make the day such a success.”

The final total is expected to grow and those who wish to can still donate via the TaskRaiser JustGiving campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/taskraiser.