TWO dozen schools and businesses have put their heads together to raise thousands of pounds for an Ulverston hospice.

St Mary’s Hospice hosted its second ‘Battle to Succeed’ awards evening this Tuesday after £6,000 was raised through last year’s effort.

The 12 schools involved in the charity initiative each received a £30 investment from local businesses.

With some guidance, pupils at the schools then had to think of creative ways to raise money, with the subtotal of their efforts nearly reaching £6,500.

The schools that took part were Ulverston Secondary School, Furness Academy, Dowdales School, Walney Secondary School, Pupil Referral Unit, Sandside Lodge, Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, Appleby Grammar School, Cartmel Priory School, Chetwynde School, St Bernard’s, The Lakes School.

Meanwhile the businesses involved were GSK, Winders, Steeles Removals, Orsted, Stollers, Bender UK, Out of Eden, The Cumberland Society, Cartmel Sticky Toffee, Napthens and Capgemini.

“The Battle to Succeed is a fantastic initiative that allows students to forge relationships with local businesses while being given the responsibility to grow their investment,” said Georgina Smith, solicitor at Napthens Solicitors who sponsored Chetwynde School.

"This allows students to develop skills which are required in their working life, whether that be managing funds to presenting.

"Not only is it beneficial to the students, it allows businesses to connect with the next generation which is key to growing your workforce and all at the same time as supporting the Hospice which is a vital service in the community."

Charlotte Windle, area fundraiser at St Mary’s, said: “This money will make a real difference to our patients and their families.

“The fact that the grand total raised is £6,500 is a true symbol of the fact that when lots of people work together, we can achieve great things.

"For schools to come together with businesses from every corner of our geographical footprint, sharing creativity and expertise in order to raise as much money as possible, was wonderful.

"We are very grateful for the opportunity this challenge has given us to allow so many young people to learn about what we do. They are our new generation of supporters. We will need them, as the demand for our services will only rise, and so sadly therefore will the cost."