Hospice fundraiser needs your help

The Master Cutler's Challenge is on! How much will your team raise to help children with life threatening diseases and their families?

It’s the biggest and most competitive challenge in the region – and once again it’s about to have businesses battling it out for the chance to raise as much money as they can for a great cause.

Since its launch ten years ago The Master Cutler’s Challenge has seen well over 500 teams seize the opportunity to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test and raise as much money as they can from an initial £50 stake.

More than £1.3m has been collected over the years. And now teams from local businesses and community organisations are preparing to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test once more – this time for a particularly poignant cause.

While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.
While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.

The new Master Cutler, Ken Cooke, has decided the 2018 beneficiary should be Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the only facility of its kind in South Yorkshire offering specialist care for children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions.

Money raised by the latest Master Cutler’s Challenge will help to support the area’s young people with complex medical needs, both at the North Anston hospice and in family homes across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Teams will be able to enter from early next year and then have until August to make as much money as they possibly can from an initial £50 investment.

Previous years have seen teams come up with a range of fun ideas, from leg waxing sessions to charity football matches, gruelling bike rides, and more sedate bake sales and quiz events. One popular fundraising event saw the Sheffield city centre transformed into a giant Monopoly board by a local lawyers’ firm.

Ken Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in SheffieldKen Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in Sheffield
Ken Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in Sheffield

An annual highlight of Sheffield’s business calendar, teams vary from big name companies to small start-ups. While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutler’s Company dates back to 1624. It was originally formed to ensure the standard of cutlery was high enough to put the Sheffield name on it, and today promotes value, quality and skillful manufacturing across the wider city region.

Mr Cooke, who is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in Sheffield, has called on teams to put their imagination to the test: “I’m hoping that the enthusiasm, commitment and ingenuity of everyone taking part in the Master Cutler’s Challenge will help to make a real difference over the next 12 months.

“This is a vital charity for families dealing with some of the most difficult times imaginable. It’s here for people in this region 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but relies on fundraising to keep its doors open.”

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice currently supports around 250 families. It provides support services tailored to each family, including end of life care, music therapy, counselling, sibling support groups and home visits.

While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.
While the Challenge itself is marking its tenth anniversary, The Cutlers Company dates back to 1624.

While the service is a lifeline for families who find themselves in need of its support, it costs more than £4m per year to run, with only around 10 per cent of that coming from government sources.

The Challenge will be officially launched at the Cutler’s Hall in early 2018. However there’s no need to wait – fundraising can start straight away.

Rachael Dawes, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Bluebell Wood, said it was a “real honour” to be chosen for the Challenge’s charity: “Bluebell Wood will be here to support everyone taking part and give them lots of tips and ideas.

“When it comes to fundraising, anything goes. Whether businesses choose an adventure challenge, wine tasting evening or a night at the races, the possibilities are endless. We know this is going to be a year of great fun for all involved.”

Ken Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in SheffieldKen Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in Sheffield
Ken Cooke is the 379th Master Cutler and owner of CTW Hardfacing Ltd in Sheffield

To register for the Master Cutler’s Challenge, contact Rachael Dawes on [email protected] or telephone 01909 517 367.

Further details on the Challenge are at www.bluebellwood.org/mastercutler2018