A CHALLENGE to see which York organisation could raise the most money for a national charity saw contenders gather at an award ceremony to watch the top money-spinning team being crowned.

The Business Brains Teams raised more than £3,000 between them for Sue Ryder Care, with York Archaeological Trust emerging as winners after raising £1,075.

Among the teams gathered at York College for the award ceremony were Coral Betting, Cue Ball Snooker Club and business students from the college.

Sue Ryder Care fundraiser Jackie Sedgwick said: “This has been running from December 1 to March 1, and Thursday’s awards brought it to a close, but we have another one coming up in autumn.

“We hope the companies who took part will do so again, but we want other businesses and organisations to get involved.

“This is the first time we have done this and we would say it was a big success. We are delighted with the £3,000 but people who took part are saying they will do better next time.

“It’s a harsh economic climate at the moment, so I think they did very well.

“They really enjoyed it – in fact some of the students who took part were saying it had really helped their communication and organisational skills.

“They found it an interesting challenge.”

Mrs Sedgwick said over the four-month period the teams used their business skills and came up with some fantastic fundraising ideas – from sponsored slims, runs and army assault courses, to selling Valentine’s Day roses, a snooker marathon and a pig racing evening. “We’d like to thank all the teams for taking part and York College for providing the launch and awards ceremony facilities,” she said.

Sue Ryder Care will run the challenge again in the autumn from November 1 to March 31.

The organisation is a registered charity which provides care and support for people living with serious illnesses and conditions such as cancer, dementia or brain injuries, as well as supporting their families and loved ones.

For details on the next challenge, phone Mrs Sedgwick on 01904 426920 or email york@suerydercare.org