Master Cutler’s Challenge Closing Event

This year’s Master Cutler was James Tear of The Solpro Group which has been a family owned business in Sheffield since 1760. James and his wife Jo led a year of fundraising which has raised over £200,000 in aid of the work of Cavendish Cancer Care.

James says “In a year of uncertainty off the back of the pandemic, and into a cost of living crisis, it is brilliant to see the Sheffield community coming together for the Master Cutler’s Challenge and raising such an incredible amount for our chosen charity.”

Alongside their own fundraising efforts has been the Master Cutler’s Challenge. The Challenge asks businesses, organisations and membership groups to grow a £50 seed fund as much as possible, using any legal or ethical means. The challenge has taken place annually since 2008 and is one of the largest fundraising events in the region, raising in excess of half a million pounds for local causes.

Over the last 6 months, a range of events and sponsored challenges have been organised by over 65 businesses and local schools. From football tournaments to talent shows, 12 hour walks to a city wide Monopoly, and everything in between. COOPS EMBS, a local facilities management company, took away the Master Cutler’s Challenge Award after raising an incredible £23,257.73 from their £50 stake.  They hosted over 15 different events throughout the challenge including a 168 hour continuous cycle challenge involving 44 people.

A further 6 awards were given out including to Bents Green Special Education School for using their entrepreneurial efforts organising and running a raffle engaging with local businesses growing their £50 to an impressive £644.00. Another award winner, Nick Patrick from the Sheffield International Trade Centre was inspired to take part by his friend Ruth who has been a previous user of Cavendish Cancer Care services and joined Nick on his 12 hour sponsored Walk. She says:

“Families are devastated on a daily basis by cancer, the person with the diagnosis endures rounds of gruelling treatment, hospital visits, anxious waiting for scan results. During this the family are watching from the side lines trying to keep a sense of normality, working structure and family life whilst feeling drained with worry and fear of unknown outcomes. Cavendish Cancer Care is there for them as well offering support to help them cope, switch off and take time to look after themselves. How do I know? 20 years ago this year my family was facing this. I was so grateful for them being there and sadly 20 years down the line the need has not lessened.”

Cavendish Cancer Care are there for anyone who is affected by cancer. They offer care and support to both cancer patients and their families. All Cavendish services are provided on a free of charge basis but as an independent local charity, they rely on the generosity of the local public and the support of the community. Emma Draper, Cavendish Cancer Care CEO, says:

“The Master and Mistress Cutler’s year in office will make a huge difference to the lives of local families affected by cancer. The total raised is phenomenal and the more than £200,000 is a life changing amount of money for a local independent charity like ours because it will fund our vital support for cancer patients and their families for 3 months. We couldn’t be more grateful to all those who have come together over the last year to raise this incredible total it truly shows how many people coming together can effect a massive change”

Here are the photos from the Master Cutler’s Challenge Closing Event. We want to say a big thank you to S2 Pictures, Lucy and Connor, who joined us on the night to capture the event.