An awards evening on Wednesday 18th September at the Birkett Long offices in Colchester, celebrated the hard work of the teams, where it was announced that close to £19,000 had been raised.

Now in its 12th year, the St Helena £50 Challenge sponsored by Birkett Long is an entrepreneurial task where teams grow a £50 note, donated by Birkett Long Solicitors, into as much money as possible in 50 days for St Helena Hospice to help local people face incurable illness and bereavement.

At the awards night, Philip Hoddell, Chairman of Birkett Long Solicitors, thanked the participants and said:

“A huge thank you for taking part in our £50 Challenge this year. This is the 12th year that we have done the £50 challenge and we're rapidly heading towards the magic figure of £400,000 raised. We're not quite there yet, but we will get there with your help and the help of everyone who supports the activities that you're doing. We couldn't do it without your amazing help. And so, thank you for everything that you do to raise money for this incredible cause.

“Our colleagues, past and present, have had interactions with the Hospice, all of them very positive, though some of them in quite sad circumstances. I think many of you will have had similar interactions through friends or family or people who you know, and therefore share our desire to help St Helena in its amazing work.” 

In his speech at the event, Chief Executive of St Helena, Mark Jarman-Howe, added:

“At the heart of everything we do is the support of our local community, and this event really embodies the support of local businesses. Next year we celebrate our 40th anniversary and it's just amazing that throughout that 40 year history, local businesses have stood by St Helena. 

“You're making a huge difference; you’re helping us continue to provide really vital support to people facing incurable illness and bereavement across the whole of north east Essex and we are ever so grateful to all of you.”

Seventeen teams took part in the challenge this summer: Bright Selection; Day Lewis Pharmacy; Essex Knitters and Stitchers; Fenwick Colchester; Informa Group Ltd; Nationwide Building Society; Saffron Building Society; St Helena Hospice - Brightlingsea Shop; St Helena Hospice - Mersea shop; St Helena Hospice - Senior Leadership Team; St Helena Hospice - Team Money Makers; St Helena Hospice Medical Team; St Helena Hospice Tudor Parade;Tails School of Grooming / Tales of Wigborough; Thrive Gyms; Total Clean in support of St Helena; Wrabness Community Shop 

In recognition of their hard work and achievement, all participating teams were given glass star awards and five teams were chosen to receive specialist awards: 

Top fundraiser: Informa 

Best Newcomer: Bright Selection 

Most Innovative: Tails School of Grooming 

Most Outstanding: Thrive Gyms 

St Helena Bold, Passionate and Caring: St Helena Hospice Medical Team