More than 100 South Yorkshire firms sign up for 2016 Master Cutler's Challenge

More than 100 South Yorkshire businesses have set themselves the task of raising as much as possible for charity as part of this year's Master Cutler's Challenge.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Apr 2016, 05:00 GMT
Launch of the Master Cutlers Challenge 2016 with Colin Cawood-Campbell from Rotherham Hospice and Fran Ligghtfoot from St LukesLaunch of the Master Cutlers Challenge 2016 with Colin Cawood-Campbell from Rotherham Hospice and Fran Ligghtfoot from St Lukes
Launch of the Master Cutlers Challenge 2016 with Colin Cawood-Campbell from Rotherham Hospice and Fran Ligghtfoot from St Lukes

The annual campaign asks firms to turn a £50 investment into as much money as possible for a good cause.

This year’s Master Cutler Craig McKay launched the challenge in February – and so far about 130 businesses have signed up.

The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. Pictured from Progressive Safety are Joanne Dyson and Rachael Brooksbank.The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. Pictured from Progressive Safety are Joanne Dyson and Rachael Brooksbank.
The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. Pictured from Progressive Safety are Joanne Dyson and Rachael Brooksbank.
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“It’s all very promising,” said Mr McKay, CEO of Sheffield engineering firm Evenort. “We’ve got bigger companies, small businesses and individuals as well.

“We have certainly achieved what we wanted to do in terms of the launch and the number of entrants.”

Businesses that sign up to the challenge can use the £50 in any way they see fit to raise as much money as possible for this year’s two chosen charities – St Luke’s Hospice and Rotherham Hospice. Since its inception in 2008 the challenge has raised more than £1 million.

Some events have already taken place. Visitors to last year’s Steel City Beer and Cider Festival in Sheffield helped raise £1,500, and solicitor Sarah Hartley, of Malcom C Foy in Rotherham, took the challenge to her wedding in Mexico when she asked guests to donate.

The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. The Master Cutler Craig McKay launches the event by cutting the ribbon on stage.The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. The Master Cutler Craig McKay launches the event by cutting the ribbon on stage.
The launch of the Master Cutler's Challenge 2016 to help rasie funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. The Master Cutler Craig McKay launches the event by cutting the ribbon on stage.
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Upcoming events include a skydive, organised by Mr McKay’s wife Karen, which will take place on Sunday, May 8.

“It all appears to be going well and for the time being we are where we want to be,” said Mr McKay. “The initial phase is about engagement and getting people to accept the challenge. It’s then a case of handing over to the companies to see what they can do.

“It’s brilliant to see so many people working to raise funds. This is a vehicle that’s in its ninth year. If we get the right charities behind it and if we present it well, then it can inspire people to do a little bit more.”

n To sign up call Jack at St Luke’s on 0114 2357594 or Colin at Rotherham Hospice on 01709 308918.