BUSINESSES and groups from around the York area have been signing up for an Accumulator Challenge to help St Leonard’s Hospice.

The challenge will involve about 30 teams of between one and six people from businesses, educational establishments, organisations and community groups of all types.

Each team will be given a loan of £30 to start them off, underwritten by NatWest Bank. Their challenge is then to use the money to raise as much additional cash as they can within 30 days. Last year’s winners, Aviva, raised an impressive £1,200.

Teams can raise money in any way they choose, as long as it is safe and legal.

The challenge begins at 8am on Wednesday, February 1, and ends at 6pm on Thursday, March 2.

For more information and to register a team, call Annie Keogh, corporate fundraiser at St Leonard’s, on 01904 777 777 or email annie.keogh@stleonardshospice.nhs.uk.