York charity's fundraising hope after Knockout success (From York Press)

York charity's fundraising hope after Knockout success

8:40am Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Mark Stead, mark.stead@thepress.co.uk

THE madcap fun of classic comedy game show It’s A Knockout was revived at Knavesmire as 12 teams battled it out in the name of charity.

The crazy contest was set up by York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – the first time it has staged such an event – and organisers are now hoping to make it an annual fixture after it outstripped their fundraising expectations.

Costumed competitors included staff representing local businesses and family teams, who took part in a series of inflatable, foam and water challenges based on the original TV show but with an added Olympic theme. The eventual winners were the Jubilee Diamonds, who will now receive the hospice’s special It’s A Knockout shield.

“It was an absolutely fantastic event, with even the weather looking kindly on us,” said the hospice’s fundraising manager, Sue Miller.

“My previous role was at Barnsley Hospice and we held an It’s A Knockout-style event for about five years which was really successful, so we decided we would try it in York. We’re looking at changing our fundraising calendar and including more events which have something to attract a younger audience so they can find out more about the work of the hospice.

“It was a case of dipping our toes in the water with the York event and seeing how it went, but there was a brilliant atmosphere thanks to the teams who took part. “Everybody really enjoyed it and has been saying they hope we do it again next year, so we hope it will now become an annual event.”

The amount raised from the day is now being totted up, but the hospice hopes it will reach about £4,000, which will go towards its work caring for people with life-threatening illnesses. More information about the charity’s upcoming fundraising events can be found at stleonardshospice.org.uk