FIRMS COMPETE TO RAISE £43K FOR LOCAL HOSPICE CARE

Companies from across the Fylde coast have raised nearly £43,000 for local hospice care by taking part in The Fylde Coast £50 Challenge.

A total of 30 businesses and organisations joined the challenge set by Trinity Hospice this year, where they were given a starter fund of £50 and four months to turn it into as much as possible for the charity.

Representatives from many of the businesses came together at a celebratory luncheon at Viva, Blackpool, on Friday to see which firm would be crowned winner for 2022. The event was hosted by Coastal Radio breakfast presenter, Ged Mills.

During the afternoon, the hospice unveiled the total raised through the challenge – an impressive £42,979. It takes the total raised by the challenge since it launched in 2013 to a staggering £347,000, supporting Trinity Hospice and its dedicated children’s hospice, Brian House.

Taking victory for this year’s challenge was Partner Plus Media, which raised £7,268 by employees who raised sponsorship for taking part in many of Trinity’s fundraising events including its Yorkshire Three Peaks trek. It also hosted a number of in-office raffles and made donations of clothes and other goods to the charity’s high street shops to raise more money.

Corporate Partnerships Manager, Janet Atkins, said: “What a fantastic sum of money raised by Partner Plus Media.

“They really pulled out all the stops, taking part in not only one of our most challenging events this year, but also throwing themselves into Blackpool Colour Run and Bubble Rush as well.

“We know they’ve had loads of fun while raising this money, which together with that raised by the other businesses who joined the £50 challenge really will go a long way in helping our charity to provide exceptional hospice care to all who need it on the Fylde coast.”

Runner up for this year’s challenge was West Lancs Group which raised £5,485 through sponsorship as a number of staff took part in Trinity’s Big Jump skydive, a mountain trek run and inoffice fundraising. And in third place with a fantastic £5,245 was DD Fire Alarms which raised money through raffles, auctions, fundraising evenings and a paddleboarding challenge.

Janet added: “We’ve seen more companies this year where employees have set themselves personal challenges. As well as taking part in our events, we’ve also seen people swimming the lakes, paddleboarding and even trying their hand new sports.

“We even had some sole traders combining their skills and expertise to raise as much as they could as a team.

“On top of that, there has been loads of in-office events which is great to see after the pandemic, which resulted in a lot of people working from home or splitting their time between home and the office.

“This challenge really is a fantastic celebration of the generosity of our local businesses and organisations, who truly push their teams to raise as much as possible for local hospice care, whether they are supporting our adult services through Trinity, or helping us to care for our area’s most fragile children through Brian House.

“A very big thank you to every single person who took part in this year’s Fylde Coast £50 Challenge. You’ve helped to raise a significant amount of money which will make a huge difference to all who need hospice care in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.”

Winter Warmers: Accessories

Five must-have winter warmer accessory trends for the current season.

1. Thighs the limit

One of this winter’s hottest trends, thigh high boots on the catwalk have been above-the-knee and beyond. There was lots of leather from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Chanel. Thankfully, there are more affordable versions on the high street!

2. Shine like a star

Beat the blues with a little shimmer and glitz this winter. It’s not the boldest look, but a flash of gold like Prada’s brushed leather pumps or Jill Sander’s leather mules – which almost resemble crinkled Christmas candy wrappers – will brighten up even the dullest outfit.

3. Take a hike

If you like to put comfort before style, then you will be thrilled to hear that hiking boots are officially on trend.

The rule is, the chunkier and sturdier the better, though preferably paired with a feminine skirt and, if you’re feeling really fancy, cashmere socks.

4. Cool for caps

Baseball caps are not usually synonymous with high-end fashion, but this winter they play a starring role. No longer the reserve of sports brands, monogrammed head gear was all over the catwalks, with Givenchy going the extra mile in luxury with a black leather one –undoubtedly the peak of style.

5. Go hobo or go home

Slouchy, sexy and compatible with almost any outfit, the hobo bag is back, and has had an upgrade!

Monogrammed and suspending from a gold chain at Louis Vuitton, crushed and cutesy pink satin courtesy of Miu Miu; and boasting a sheepskin trim at Chanel… it’s a hobo, baby, but not as we know it.