Yorkshire accountancy firm, Watson Buckle, has ended the year on a high, celebrating its continued support for the local community in 2023.

In support of its Charity of the Year, Candlelighters, the firm has hosted a variety of exciting events to help its dedicated team to get involved and raise money.

A local charity, Candlelighters provides support to children and their families facing childhood cancer in the Yorkshire area, an invaluable resource for those who need it.

In April, the Watson Buckle team got creative and built an in-office golf course following the Masters competition to commence the fundraising for the charity.

In July, nine members of the team signed up to complete the Total Warrior 12K which saw them battle through mud, fire, water, ice as well as a range of obstacles! This mammoth challenge saw the team raise £3,481 for Candlelighters.

Also in July, delegates from the firm attended the Candlelighters Business Collaboration Project in Leeds, where they heard first hand from the Candlelighters staff about all the amazing work the charity does to provide support to the families and children affected by childhood cancer and how donations were being used.

In August, continuing the theme of staying active and promoting inclusion, the firm also held a sweepstake for Candlelighters during the Women’s World Cup, donating a total of £30 to the charity with the winner, Mike Harrison, also donating his winnings to the charity as well.

In addition to team-wide efforts, some have taken fundraising a step further and taken on some truly testing challenges.

Connor McLoughlin and Director Andrew Padgett took to the skies in September for a charity skydive, followed quickly by Aiden Smith braving the demands of HYROX – ‘The Sport of Fitness Racing’.

Topping off the year, in recognition of the firm’s ongoing support for the charity, team members attended the opening of the first Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre at the University of York – aimed at developing better, less harmful cancer treatment for children and young people.

By the end of 2023 Watson Buckle successfully raised £5,047 for Candlelighters which surpassed their target of £5,000. They are so proud of their achievements and being able to support the charity in their activities.

Managing Director, Mark Wilcock, said: “It’s been a wonderful year for us at Watson Buckle, for both client work and the work that we do beyond our desks, for staff, for charity and for the community.

“Candlelighters does incredible work for the families that need it most, and it’s been an honour for us all to support them.

“We recognise our responsibility towards the Yorkshire community and we’re proud to be in a position to offer the range of support that we provide.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the firm and beyond that have helped us this year.”