AS The Apprentice comes back onto televisions across the country Barnsley Hospice’s staff are asking people to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.

The Gawber-based facility are bringing back their annual Accumulator Challenge, which began in 2018 and sees the hospice loaning £30 to fundraisers which they can use to generate cash throughout March.

Last year’s venture saw more than £25,000 raised through this unique idea and now Simon Atkinson, corporate partnership manager, is encouraging more businesses and people to get involved than ever.

“It’s really exciting to once again have our popular Accumulator Challenge upon us,” he said.

“It’s a really simple but effective concept and we have seen some very weird and wonderful fundraising activities these past seven years.

“As long as it’s safe and legal, we encourage teams to get their thinking caps on and raise money for Barnsley Hospice however they see fit.

“We had 20 businesses take part last year and I’m confident we will be doing more ‘hiring’ than ‘firing’ again this year.”

There are prizes for teams that make the most profit and for the most innovative fundraising idea, with all participants invited to an award ceremony held at the hospice in April.

Simon added: “We’ve had 80s-themed days, bake-offs, fancy dress, football tournaments, everything.

“It’s heart-warming to have so many people get behind the fundraiser and help raise money for the people of Barnsley that we serve at the hospice and their loved ones.”