Superheroes from across the steel city and beyond have raised an incredible £240,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Cutlers’ Company Charitable Trust. 

Companies, schools and community groups in South Yorkshire have been supporting children and young adults across the region whose lives are just too short by taking part in the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2018. 

Master Cutler Ken Cooke chose South Yorkshire’s only children’s hospice as the main charity for this year’s Challenge, an annual event that has raised more than £1.8 million for great causes since it launched eleven years ago. 

From head shaves and superhero walks to gin tasting nights and 35-mile treks, money raised through the Challenge will help Bluebell Wood provide services such as end of life treatment and care, counselling, sibling support groups and music therapy. 

The fantastic fundraising endeavours have been celebrated at an awards evening at the Cutler’s Hall, where AESSEAL plc won the award for the most money raised, after achieving an amazing £30,000. 

Sheffield High School for Girls won the award for the most money raised by a community group, and XPO Logistics UK were the winners of the 'Most Enthusiastic' award for holding superhero dress down days and taking on Bluebell Wood’s Dragon Boat Race. Newcomers to the challenge, Insight, were crowned the most creative team of the year. 

The 'Gordon Bridge' award, named after the Master Cutler who launched the Master Cutler’s Challenge 11 years ago, is given to an individual, group or business who have gone above and beyond in tackling the Challenge. This year’s accolade went to Chris Heaton, who attempted a world first run across the Gobi Desert. 

Master Cutler Ken Cooke said: “I’ve been hugely impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of all the teams and individuals involved this year, and delighted that these combined efforts have helped to take the total raised in 11 years of Master Cutler’s Challenges to over £1.8 million. It’s been a pleasure to play my part in this year’s challenge and that, between us all, we have helped make a difference for the children and young adults supported by Bluebell Wood.” 

Rachael Dawes, Corporate Fundraising Manager, Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Master Cutler’s Challenge. From dressing up as superheroes to testing themselves at a sporting event, everyone embraced the Challenge in brilliant style. The funds raised will help to support families facing unimaginably tough times, and give them opportunities to make special memories, however much time they have left together.”