Four schools took part in The Apprentice-style challenge, supported by local businesses and judged by a panel of experts, to raise vital funds for the hospice.

Schools taking part included Furness Academy, George Hastwell, Newbridge House School and Ulverston Victoria High School.

Each of the schools teamed up with a local business including Ørsted, The Cumberland Building Society, Stollers and Napthens.

Each company shared their time, skills and support to act as mentor and provided £30 to get their team started.

The cash is used to put their business ideas into action to make as much profit as they can.

Event sponsors Ørsted funded the awards presentation evening held at Furness Academy. Expert judges included Sam Procter from Charnleys Home and Garden, Roz Buchanan, a St Mary’s Hospice Trustee and Frank Stretton, Director of 32West.

Each Battle to Succeed participant received a certificate and special awards were presented:

• Challenges Overcome – joint winners were Boys’ Bricks and Dreamers England, both groups from Furness Academy.
• Presentation Skills winners were Sweet Dreams, from Furness Academy.
• Originality winners was George Hastwell School.
• Money Raised winners was Newbridge House School.
• Overall Winners were Boys Bricks from Furness Academy.

St Mary’s Hospice’s Ali Alger said: “This awards evening is a celebration of skills, talents and kind-heartedness of students who have embraced St Mary’s Hospice and the challenges set through Battle to Succeed. We know they have worked incredibly hard, learnt so much and will make a huge difference to local patients living with advancing illness their carers and families.”

Helen Carlson, St Mary’s Hospice Head of Fundraising, said: “Battle to Succeed is an inspirational event that we feel privileged and honoured to organise. We are always bowled over by the tenacity, creativity and fun the children inject into their groups. All skills which will take them far in life.”

Sam Kell from Furness Academy said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to be creative and show enterprise skills to raise money for an amazing charity. I’m so proud of them.”

The Sweet Dreams team, who raised a £154.30, said: “£113 of our money came from donations, where people just gave to St Mary’s but didn’t get a treat. This shows just how important the work of St Mary’s is – people are touched by the work they do and many people rely on their service.”

The grand total raised through Battle to Succeed will be announced soon.