THIRTEEN teams have signed up to take part in this year’s Big Wigs challenge in aid of the Sue Ryder hospice in Nettlebed.

They were each presented with a £50 note to kick-start the fifth annual fund-raising campaign.

It is hoped that the teams will use their innovation and business acumen to raise £50,000 between them.

Among those taking part are two teams of six pupils from Gillotts School in Henley.

The school’s business study class will be developing a product to sell at a market stall in the town centre at Christmas.

Personal stylist Jo Haley, who runs New Reflection in Lower Assendon, is taking part after organising a fashion show last year which raised £4,000.

She said: “This year I am back to do something on a personal level. I have always wanted to do a tandem skydive — the thought terrifies me but that’s what is so good about doing something for charity.

“Big Wigs is an amazing chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone and to do something that will really help make a difference to others.”

The Business Fit Club in Station Road, Henley, will be staging an auction and a networking event.

Refer-On, which has seven hubs across the Thames Valley, including one that meets in Henley on Fridays, is to hold a ball at Phyllis Court Club in December.

Co-owner John Welburn said: “We have not done any major fund-raising for two years and we felt that this was the right time. I have a new team in place and a board of directors so have challenged each hub to see who can raise the most.”

Henley leisure centre is also participating and there will be six teams from The Henley College.

Emily King, Sue Ryder corporate fund-raiser, said: “In total, there will be 60 students from the college taking part and each team will have to hold an event.

There is some great competition between the students and some are being very secretive about their plans.”

Ms King added: “We’ve got some fantastic teams signed up this year, including two who took part last year. It’s great to see lots of new faces and hear all the great ideas. We always welcome new teams so if you think you can catch up it’s not too late to take part.”

For more information, call (01491) 641263.

Published 16/09/12