Burnley College are proud to have raised over £6,500 for Pendleside Hospice’s Corporate Challenge 2025.
Among the highlights of our fundraising activities were an adventurous race across Pendle designed to challenge competitors while spotlighting the local area, and a lively football match that saw Fort Vale Engineering Limited storm to an impressive 10-2 victory against Pursuit Aerospace.
With a car raffle last month and a brilliant corporate bowls challenge over summer, our efforts to raise as much as possible have been supercharged by our excellent connections with local businesses.
Staff and students were also treated to manicures and relaxing hand massages from our talented Beauty learners in aid of the cause.
Our Core Values of Ambition and Challenge and Collaboration are the perfect match for the challenge, with staff and students pushing themselves to try new things and get involved in the college-wide efforts.
Leading the charge has been Avril Pilling, Operations Manager, whose relentless passion for the cause saw her named Fundraiser of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony to celebrate the Corporate Challenge at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa.
Burnley College also received the Laugh Out Loud (LOL) award and was named Corporate Challenge Champion at the ceremony, a true testament to the camaraderie and competitive team spirit shown by our staff, students and the wider college community.
Neil Burrows, Director of Skills, Innovation and Employer Engagement at Burnley College, said:
“If fundraising were an Olympic sport, Avril would have taken gold, silver, and bronze, and probably convinced the judges to buy raffle tickets while she was at it!
“Yes, she’s been the heartbeat of Burnley College’s fundraising efforts, but her impact goes far beyond ticket sales.
“She’s turned fundraising into a team sport at Burnley College, creating a buzz that’s brought departments together, boosted morale, and reminded everyone why supporting Pendleside Hospice matters. She’s not just raising money, she’s raising spirits.”
The annual challenge, devised by Pendleside Hospice pitches local businesses against each other to raise as much as possible for the charity. This year’s challenge ran from 1 June to 30 September.
Pendleside Hospice requires over £6.5 million annually to operate and relies on community-driven efforts like the Corporate Challenge now more than ever.
The fundraising fun didn’t stop there!
Thrill-seeking staff and students took on a daring 60ft abseil down the side of the main building, raising an extraordinary £15,954.52 along the way.
Budding bakers also put their skills to the test in a Bonfire Night-themed bake sale, with prizes awarded for the most showstopping creations.
All of the money raised will support the hospice in providing specialised care to patients and invaluable support to their families.
Together we’ve raised an incredible amount and are proud to play our part in making Pendleside Hospice’s 2025 fundraising campaign a record-breaking success!
