A charity challenge with a twist has already raised £2,500 – with two months left to go. The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice have given supporters £50 notes, thanks to sponsors at Basepoint Chatham.

Fundraisers were then given three months to turn their £50 into as much as possible for the Rochester hospice. After one month, nearly £2,500 had been raised.

Walderslade Primary School has raised £450 of their £2,000 target. Youngsters raised the cash at two fairs and during a purple dress down day. They are busy organising a number of events to try to reach their fundraising goal, including a cake stall, fruit tuck shop and a family quiz night. Youngsters will also organise a disco, dress down day and party to celebrate their achievements in July.

Donna Law, from the Friends, said: “The variety of support is incredibly heart-warming from companies to schools and individuals.

“We would like to thank our generous sponsors Basepoint Chatham for match-funding the £50s and to everyone who is taking part.

Lorraine Gardener, centre manager at Basepoint Chatham, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Friends’ latest fundraising initiative and are incredibly grateful that more than 20 teams have been inspired to raise money for the Wisdom Hospice.

“There really is no catch. You receive a crisp £50 note from the charity to kick-start your fundraising and we match -fund each and every £50. We hope everyone has lots of fun during the Basepoint £50 Challenge and we can’t wait to learn about your fundraising efforts and to see how much you raise.”

The Basepoint £50 challenge runs until March 1. A thank you party will be held at the Hospice in High Bank, Rochester, on Thursday, March 30.

For more information call Donna Law on 01634 831163 or email donnalaw@fowh.org.uk