ROWCROFT Hospice is inviting local businesses across South Devon to step forward, get creative and make a real difference by joining its ‘The Accumulator Challenge’.

Launching on July 1, and running through to October 31, the challenge will see more than 20 teams from local businesses each given a £50 loan, with one simple goal: grow it into as much as possible to support end-of-life care and make a lasting difference to local families facing the toughest of times.

From bake sales and BBQs to quiz nights, fashion shows and football tournaments, businesses are encouraged to think outside the box to raise as much as possible, bringing their teams together in fun and imaginative ways.

Along the way, teams will feature on Rowcroft’s leaderboard, building momentum and friendly competition as they go head-to-head for the title of ‘Accumulator Champions’.

Local facilities maintenance firm, Sherwoods, took the number one spot in 2025, reaching the top of the leaderboard by raising £6,929 through a company quiz night.

Kate Tennant, Head of People and Culture at Sherwoods, said of last year’s challenge: ‘The Accumulator Challenge was a brilliant way to unite our team and wider community, bringing people together for a great cause.

‘It created real energy across the business, strengthened connections with our wider network, and gave everyone the chance to make a meaningful difference while having fun along the way’.

Lisa Whittaker, Corporate Fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice, said: ‘The Accumulator Challenge is all about creativity, teamwork and community.

‘We will loan each team £50 to get started – what they do with it is entirely up to them.

‘It is amazing to see how quickly that small amount can grow when people come together with a shared purpose.

‘What makes this so special is that it’s not just about fundraising – it’s about bringing people together, boosting team spirit and giving businesses a chance to show their support for local patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

‘Every pound raised helps us be there when it matters most’.

All funds raised through The Accumulator Challenge will help Rowcroft deliver specialist end-of-life care and support to local patients living with life-limiting illnesses.

But like many hospices across the UK, Rowcroft faces significant funding challenges.

Of the £11 million needed each year to run the hospice, only around 24 per cent of this comes from the government.

The rest is raised locally through the generosity of the South Devon community.

Lisa added: ‘That’s why challenges like this matter so much.

‘Every pound raised helps us be there for local families when they need us most’.

Rowcroft’s Fundraising Team will support all participating businesses throughout the challenge, sharing fundraising advice, practical resources and plenty of inspiration to help ideas flourish.

Businesses interested in taking part in The Accumulator Challenge can register at: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/accumulator or contact [email protected] for more information