Caring staff at a logistics firm joined in Halloween celebrations — and raised money for a cancer charity at the same time.

They were challenged to carve and design a pumpkin by managing director Alan Taylor, who provided a bottle of wine and lunch for workers at Taylors Transport Group’s Export Drive headquarters in Huthwaite.

Each member of staff paid £5 for their pumpkin, with the proceeds going to Hogarth Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Nottingham City Hospital.

The trust is close to the heart of Alan and his workforce because staff member Tracey Flemming lost her 28-year-old son, Connor, to cancer in April — after he received treatment and care on Hogarth Ward.

Connor fought a brave four-year battle against rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a soft tissue sarcoma.

However, he was adamant that after his death, Connor’s family and friends, including his parents, Steve and Tracey, should continue to live full lives — just like he did.

Connor loved life and was a Mansfield Town FC fan, enjoying most sports, particularly football, cricket, and snooker.

An inspiration to many, he continued to play sport while undergoing chemotherapy and battling sepsis and radiation burns.

Connor took part in a podcast, hosted by his oncologist, that is mainly used to inspire other cancer patients.

His doctor was so impressed that she used parts of his interview to inspire Premier League academy managers at football clubs during a recent seminar.

Tracey said: “I would like to thank Alan and all the staff here for their kind donation.”

The fundraising in Connor’s memory will continue in 2024.

Tracey added: “In his final weeks, Connor agreed that we could remember and honour his short life a year after his passing.”

So dad Steve and a small team of close friends are cycling from Buckingham Place, London to Paris in early June to raise further funds for the cancer trust.

Together with other fundraising, it is hoped to raise enough money to refurbish parts of the ward, including a retreat room and garden area.

Alan, pictured with staff members, said: “It seemed right to bring the donation close to home, to Tracey and her family, who are doing all they can with the charity.”

The pumpkin competition was judged by David Parnell and the winner was Gemma, from the company’s office.

The fundraising was the latest community initiative at the family-owned firm, which will celebrate 50 years in business in 2024.