Groups, schools and businesses are being urged to sign up for a fundraising challenge inspired by hit television show The Apprentice.

Money raised will go to The Children’s Bereavement Centre (CBC), a charity with bases in Mansfield and Sutton that helps children and young people cope with the death or terminal illness diagnosis of someone important in their lives.

Those signing up to the CBC Accumulator Challenge will be given £100 from the charity and have until March 2025 to turn the £100 stake into £1,000.

Katie Gibson, fundraising and marketing executive, said: “Our fundraising team are hoping to see some real entrepreneurial spirit across Mansfield and Ashfield as different groups sell and reinvest their donations, like an episode of the BBC’s The Apprentice.

“We will be here to support the teams and offer ideas to help them along the way. This is an ideal opportunity to encourage teamwork, develop creativity, boost morale among staff, and an opportunity to engage with the local community.

“We’re excited to work with new teams and see what imaginative fundraising ideas they come up with. We’ve seen schools, gyms, and antiques dealers host events, stalls, and new products to fundraise.

“Any group is eligible to sign up for their £100 stake as long as they have the creativity to turn the £100 into £1,000 . Any ideas are welcome to raise the money — as long as they are safe and legal!”

When the initiative was run in Newark all 12 groups taking part successfully exceeded their £1,000 target and collectively raised £16,373.

Now the charity is looking for new groups from Mansfield and Ashfield to sign up to the Accumulator Challenge to help raise vital funds to ensure local bereaved children receive the help and guidance they need at one of the most devastating times of their lives.

There is unprecedented high demand for bereavement support across Mansfield and Ashfield. An increase in referrals means the bereavement centre is having to increase its support services, which means increasing fundraising activity.

Raising £1,000 could pay for five children to receive eight weeks of one-to-one bereavement counselling or fund equipment such as memory books for a child to remember their special person who has died.

The Children’s Bereavement Centre provides bereavement support services free of charge from its centres, which include The Patchills Centre, Mansfield, and The Summerhouse Children’s Centre, Sutton, thanks to the generosity of donations from the local community and fundraising events and challenges.

New community fundraiser Clare Sears (pictured) recently joined the team at the CBC after 35 years working in banking.

She is working with community groups and businesses in Mansfield and Ashfield, and can offer her expertise to help groups reach their accumulator target.

To find out about fundraising opportunities in the area and to sign up for the Accumulator Challenge, email [email protected] or visit www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/the-accumulator