STAFF at Payzone UK are celebrating after their pledge to raise funds for St Luke's for 12 months has reached a phenomenal £12,390.

The team at Lostock Gralam chose the hospice as their charity of the year in January last year and embarked on 365 days of fun-filled activity.

Northwich Guardian:

Payzone present St Luke's Hospice with an impressive £12,390.25 after 12 months of fundraising

The company not only involved their staff but also their customers, suppliers and the local community.

A social squad, a team of enthusiastic and dedicated employees are tasked with actively managing and promoting local community and charity relationships.

It is their investment in corporate social responsibility that has helped to deliver such great results for St Luke’s.

In February, a donation collection saw staff fill more than 50 large bags with pre-loved clothes which were sold in the hospice's charity shops.

A quiz night at Watermead pub in March proved so successful that a race night followed in May.

Northwich Guardian:

A quiz night proved so popular, a race night followed

Various workplace fundraising activities ran through the spring and summer, including raffles and staff baking and selling their own homemade cakes.

Staff joined thousands of people for St Luke's annual 10-mile Midnight Walk in July.

A glitter ball at Nunsmere Hall in September was a sell out attracting more than 200 guests.

Northwich Guardian:

A glitter ball at Nunsmere Hall was a sell out attracting more than 200 guests

Everyone enjoyed great food, live entertainment and danced until the early hours.

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Staff didn't just donate money. After the company had an office refurbishment in October, they donated eight mint condition cabinets to the hospice which have been put to good use.

In November the hospice launched its inaugural Bring a Pound to Work Day and Payzone were among the first businesses to sign up.

Northwich Guardian:

Payzone was one of the first businesses to sign up for the inaugural St Luke's Bring a Pound to Work Day

Andy Bailey, corporate partnerships manager at St Luke’s Hospice said: ‘‘It’s clear to see that when Payzone commit to something, they go for it 100 per cent.

"It felt as though the whole of the workforce were backing St Luke’s through 2019. The social squad were a pleasure to work with and their thirst to champion all things ‘community and charity’ is a great reflection on the business’’

Andrew Goddard, managing director of Payzone was thrilled by the result. He said: “I would like to take a moment to recognise the brilliant efforts of our staff and thank all of those involved.

"Everyone came together for a fantastic cause and gave a lot back to our local community.

"We’d also like to thank St Luke’s Hospice for their support and for providing us with some amazing fundraising resources.”

Any workplace wishing to support a local charity throughout 2020 is invited to contact St Luke's by emailing andy.bailey@slhospice.co.uk for more information.