Accumulator Challenge 2025 Raises £16,000!

Barnsley Hospice’s most innovative annual fundraising event saw 23 local businesses collectively raise more than €16,000 in the space of just one month.

Each year, Corporate Partnership Manager at the hospice, Simon Atkinson, adopts the alias of Lord Sweetener and recruits local businesses to turn a £30 loan into as much money as possible throughout the month of 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.

Corporate Partnership Manager, Simon Atkinson, 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 continued, “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.”

Tesco’s Community Champion in Barnsley, Lisa Hammond, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to support Barnsley Hospice.  The Accumulator Challenge always brings a buzz and I’m proud to be part of a team of businesses all doing fantastic things to raise as much as possible for this truly wonderful charity, that is close to everyone’s heart. It’s a very proud moment when the grand total is revealed, knowing that as a great big team we all played a part in that.”

Would you or your business like to get involved in the next Accumulator Challenge? Email Simon Atkinson to find out more and sign up for 2026!