Professional services firm, Cheffins, is marking its bicentenary by raising £270,596 for charity, exceeding its original fundraising pledge by over £70,000.

After a year-long programme of ambitious fundraising, community events and match funding, the firm has donated £212,000 to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to create a brand-new, permanent playroom at Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

The remaining £58,596 has been distributed to a range of local and national charities, including LEAF, Dementia UK and through the Cambridge Community Foundation.

In addition to the financial contribution, Cheffins has also donated a toybox containing more than 200 toys collected across all Cheffins offices and donated by staff.

Fundraising for world-firsts

Shelly Thake, Chief Executive of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, (main image, far right) said: “This pioneering new children’s hospital will be the first in the world to fully integrate the treatment of children’s mental and physical health, alongside world-leading research.

“By making this very generous donation to ACT, Cheffins will be part of an important legacy for years to come, and we would like to thank everyone who was involved in fundraising for all their hard work and for taking us on what has proved to be a fun and memorable journey.”

Bill King, Chairman of Cheffins, (main image, left) added: “From the Saffron Walden Carnival and Newmarket Bake Sale to the Cheffins Cycle Ride, charity tractor sale and countless personal challenges, this campaign brought the whole firm together behind a shared purpose.

“While our bicentenary year may have ended, our commitment hasn’t. We will continue to fundraise throughout the hospital’s construction to ensure we make a meaningful difference when construction is complete in 2030.”

Fundraising activities throughout 2025 also included an online charity auction featuring exclusive experiences, staff participation in the Three Peaks Challenge, Cambridge Half Marathon, skydives, and rounders tournaments.