The Accumulator Challenge for Katharine House Hospice

From 21st October 2024 to 21st February 2025, the Trainees at SE-Solicitors (Andra, Beth, Ella, Katie and Ore) have been taking part in the Katharine House Hospice Accumulator Challenge in competition with other local businesses!

Katharine House Hospice provides specialist palliative care for adults with an incurable illness across north Oxfordshire and south Northamptonshire. They provide care to 1,206 people each year, and they require £14,500.00 each day to keep their services running.

The Challenge

To start the challenge, the Trainees were given an initial £75 investment from Katharine House, which they used to raise as much money for the charity as possible within 4 months. Last year the Trainees raised £1,754.10, and they were determined to beat this!

Raising Money Activities

For the first Accumulator Challenge event of the year, the Trainees hosted a raffle at the firm’s Social Committee quiz. There were lots of prizes up for grabs which were kindly donated by local businesses. Thank you very much to: Cedar Therapy, Hillier Garden Centre, Mug Shot, Tess’ Brilliant Bakes, The Cone, Wykham Park Farm Shop, Inspiring Tails, Townhouse Wellbeing Clinic, Edd Frost & Daughters, Omlet, The Loft Bloxham, Serenity at Sibford, Hobbycraft, Cedar Therapy, and Hattingley Valley Wines. 

Throughout December the Trainees sold handmade Christmas cards made by them, and offered to wrap the Christmas presents of staff to help tackle their colleague’s busy festive to-do lists. As well as this, the firm held its’ annual Christmas referrers drinks. The event had a fantastic turnout with 118 guests in attendance to enjoy drinks, canapes and even a magician. The Trainees organised a raffle for the event, and the main prize up for grabs was a Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser!

Throughout the Accumulator Challenge, the Trainees organised a Donation Drive within the firm, encouraging colleagues to donate pre-loved items for resale on online platforms. The response was incredible, with generous contributions ranging from books and clothing to homeware and accessories. By giving these items a second life, the Trainees not only raised vital funds for Katharine House Hospice, but also fostered a strong sense of community and sustainability within the firm.

The Big Finale – the 24-Hour Spin-a-Thon!

The Trainees pushed themselves for the final Accumulator Challenge event and decided to organise and take part in a 24-Hour Spin-a-Thon at SE-Solicitors’ Banbury office. In preparation for the Spin-a-Thon, the Trainees swam, ran, and cycled 2,000 miles between them over the course of the Accumulator Challenge (more than the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats!). 

The pedals started rolling at 10am on Thursday 20^th February, and finished at 10am on Friday 21^st February. The Trainees raised the profile of the Accumulator Challenge and Katharine House Hospice during the 24 hours as they greeted clients and staff alike from their bike in the firm reception. Their efforts paid off as, being their biggest fund-raising event, the GoFundMe donation page reached an impressive total of £1,215! 

We are extremely excited to announce that the Trainees have raised an overall total of £2,642.19 from their initial £75 investment, which went towards the final total for the Accumulator Challenge in 2025 of £50,693! As well as this, the Trainees were runners up in two categories  – ‘Graf UK Extreme Challenge Award’ and ‘Sustainability Award’. All proceeds will go Katharine House Hospice, a charity close to our hearts.