A team of almost 30 employees from RBS group companies – one from Tesco Personal Finance, the other from Direct Line Insurance – were under starters orders to 'blag' as many freebies to raise money for Horsforth based children's charity Barnardo's.


The first challenge saw staff door stepping hundreds of businesses to try and get as many pledges as they could. An amazing £8,500 worth of pledges were made on the day, which included weekend breaks, golf days and meals at restaurants.

These pledges will be auctioned off at various Barnardo's fundraising events to raise cash for vulnerable children across Yorkshire.

Staff from Direct Line Insurance also took up the challenge the following day.

The team of Leeds employees were challenged to get as many items for young people who go to Barnardo's Futures service, based in Headingley.

Futures works with young people aged 15 to 21 years old providing accommodation, education and support.

Items on the 'wish list' included toiletries; nightwear; CDs and vouchers for the cinema.

Volunteer Development Manager at Barnardo's, Ellie Hudson, said: "The two teams worked really hard on their challenges. We were astounded at how generous Leeds' businesses have been, and are very grateful.

"As well as helping us to raise valuable funds to help Barnardo's keep supporting vulnerable children and young people across Yorkshire, the challenge was good fun."