Businesses will be battling it out to win a game of Giant Jenga in preparation for the three-month Accumulator Challenge, which starts in June. Amongst those businesses attending the launch will be last year’s winners Curve Motion and the CEO of Towergate Insurance who are sponsoring the event. Left to right, Sarah Stamp and Paul Donno.

MEMBERS of the community are set to do battle in a bid to raise as much money as possible in a three-month charity challenge.

The Towergate Accumulator Challenge will see particpating businesses given £50 which they then have to turn into as much money as possible for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Some of those taking part met this week to play games of giant Jenga and to figure out their opponents’ weaknesses.

The scheme, sponsored by the EADT, launches on June 19 and more than 35 firms have already signed up, including Jacobs Allen, Ensors, Glasswells, Curvemotion and Towergate Insurance.

Last year, 49 businesses managed to raise £40,243 for the hospice but this year organisers have set themselves a £50,000 target.

Paul Whittaker, chief executive of event sponsors Towergate Insurance, said: “It is a fantastic event, both in terms of helping to raise money and for companies to have a great deal of fun over the summer months, helping to build team spirit in their business while supporting a great charity.

Kevin Robertson, of Glasswells, said: “Glasswells supports the Hospice throughout the year, but the Accumulator Challenge is a real team effort. “All the staff like to get involved and our customers help out as well.”

St Nicholas Hospice Care is a local charity which looks after people with terminal and life shortening illnesses, it provides care and support throughout west Suffolk and Thetford.

It has to raise £10,000 every day, so needs as much funding as possible.

Events such as this challenge provide a way of reaching this target, as well as other benefits.

Sarah Stamp, of 2011 champions Curvemotion, said: “It felt brilliant to win last year.

The great thing about the challenge is that it brought all sorts of people in the community together, which we are aiming to build on further this year.”

To sign up, call Abby Mayes on 01284 715597 or e-mail abby.mayes@stnh.org.uk.

For more information on the hospice, go to www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk