A THREE-month fundraising challenge for businesses has got off to a flying start with firms already holding events in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

More than 50 West Suffolk and Thetford companies are taking part in the Towergate Accumulator Challenge, in which they have to turn a �50 stake, donated by sponsors Towergate Insurance, into as much money as possible for the Bury St Edmunds hospice.

Knights Lowe chartered accountants, of Kempson Way, Bury, held the first event with a karting competition at Red Lodge Karting. Each of the 22 teams of three paid �145 to enter and took part in endurance races. The first set of races was won by SG Machining Solutions Limited and the second by Carlton Smith.

Neil Sandry, of Knights Lowe, said: “The Knights Lowe team came runners-up in the first set of races and may have done something similar in the second if I hadn’t had a nasty crash which held us up for a while. Everyone said they had a great time and that’s why we attract more than 20 teams a year to these events.”

On Wednesday Baker Tilly chartered accountants and business advisors, of Hollow Road, Bury, held a rounders tournament for the second year. It took place at British Sugar Sports and Social Club with 13 teams from firms including Whiting and Partners, Ensors, Greene & Greene, Ashton KCJ, Barclays and returning champions PRS.

Meanwhile, two skateathons have been planned at CurveMotion, in Lamdin Road, Bury, with the first for those aged 12 and under on Saturday, July 14, and the second, for ages 13 upwards, on Thursday, July 19.

Sarah Stamp, of CurveMotion, said: “A 26.2-mile marathon is 422 laps of the CurveMotion rink, but those taking part don’t have to go the whole distance. The aim of the skateathon is to have fun.”

Registration costs �5. Sign up online at www.curvemotion.com

The challenge is supported by the East Anglian Daily Times and its sister title The Bury St Edmunds Mercury.