Local accountants Paul Donno & Co Ltd were announced as the winners of the Towergate Accumulator Challenge at a special awards event last Thursday evening.

The fundraising challenge encouraged businesses to raise as much money as possible for St Nicholas Hospice Care from an initial £50 stake.  The event was a huge success with more than £20,000 being raised for the charity.

More than 35 businesses from across West Suffolk and Thetford took part in the three-month challenge and set about organising some wonderful fundraising ventures from their original stake.

And the response was overwhelming with businesses pulling out all the stops to raise thousands of pounds - from sponsored flights in a Tiger Moth to mechanical pig racing!

Abby Mayes, Corporate Fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “When we launched the Accumulator Challenge in June, we hoped it would be a success and raise vital money for the Hospice.

“But we were simply stunned by the amount raised, a fantastic £20,762, as well as the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by all the participating companies.

“Our thanks must go out to every staff member of every business that took part and to event sponsors Towergate Risk Solutions.”

Paul Donno & Co Ltd was crowned the overall winners after raising the most amount of money - almost £2,600.  The team from Paul Donno & Co Ltd organised a Charity Golf Day at Haverhill Golf Club in July, a balloon race at Glemsford Village Fete and a Charity Casino Evening at the Purple Mango Indian Restaurant, Sturmer in August.

Paul said: “I am really proud of the team and grateful to all my clients, colleagues and friends who have supported us throughout the competition.  Our team really took the challenge to heart and I think this is reflected in the amount of money we raised in a fairly short space of time. When the initiative was launched in June I didn’t really think we had much chance of winning as we are a relatively small company compared to many of the other participants. I just wanted us to take part and raise some money for the Hospice.

We are now looking forward to the Accumulator Challenge 2011 and the opportunity to improve on our achievement this year.”

Image: Paul Donno receiving an award from Paul Marchant, Trustee of St Nicholas Hospice Care.