Redmayne-Bentley, one of the UK’s largest independent stockbrokers, share their story of support for Candlelighters:

Pink will be the colour in 2017 when the Leeds branch of Redmayne-Bentley takes on challenges ranging from beard shaves and bake sales to an inflatable obstacle course, all to raise money for Yorkshire children affected by cancer.

The investment management and stockbroking firm has chosen Candlelighters as its Leeds office charity of the year.

Brian Curran, corporate fundraiser at the charity, said: “We are delighted that Redmayne-Bentley have chosen to support Candlelighters to enable us to continue to support children with cancer and their families. We are looking forward to working with them and offering them some exciting and challenging fundraising events they can get involved in.”

For the office’s first day of fundraising, people across the firm’s Leeds office wore pink – the charity’s favoured colour – on Valentine’s Day. They were also treated to a series of cakes, biscuits and buns created by staff for a bake-off.

And Nigel Finlay, Compliance Officer, will shave off the hair on his head as well as his facial fuzz this spring.

This is just the beginning of the events and activities planned to raise money for the charity, which provides support to families with children who are being treated for cancer. The office’s Interactive Group of staff, who volunteer their time and organise events to support the charity of the year, also plan activities such as a trek through Yorkshire’s Three Peaks and the 5k Gung-Ho! Challenge, in which people throw themselves through a gigantic inflatable obstacle course. Other events such as cake sales, prize draws and dress-down days will be held throughout 2017.

Group member Anna Crump said: “We are very honoured and proud to be able to support Candlelighters this year. The people at the charity carry out vitally important work, bringing light and hope to children and their families at a time when they need it most.

“Our staff have a long history of throwing themselves into raising money for good causes in Yorkshire in any way they can – from baking and helping to sell raffle tickets, through to marathons and triathlons, no challenge is too great for them as they will support such a wonderful cause.”

Candlelighters’ work is carried out in various ways, including at the Children’s Hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, as well as The Square in the centre of Leeds. There is also The Bus, which carries this support out into the community.

The charity also funds holidays for families with children being treated for cancer, in addition to family events throughout the year.

If you would like to support Nigel, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nigel-Finlay.

Thank you to Ruth Peterson from Redmayne-Bentley, who has kindly contributed this piece.