A BUSINESS is taking on a challenge to help charities and tackle climate change – with only £50.

Burnham-based supplier Impamark will use the £50 start-up capital, given by sponsor Birkett Long, to buy ten trees from the National Trust to raffle them off to raise money for Farleigh Hospice.

The trees will be planted nationwide and winners will be able to dedicate their tree in memory of a loved one.

The trees will be planted by the trust as part of its pledge to plant 20million trees by 2030.

Impamark owner and managing director, Nicky Crisp, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in the £50 Challenge for Farleigh Hospice.

“My father was supported by Farleigh, so this is a very personal opportunity to help raise funds for them.

“The coronavirus pandemic has been the most challenging period for charities, and we are excited to participate and make a difference.

“As a business it is important to us to give something back, both to the local community and to the planet.

“We are not only supporting the hospice, but we are also supporting the National Trust, giving something back to the environment and making it possible for the winners to commemorate someone special with the planting of their tree.”

All proceeds will go to Farleigh Hospice, with raffle tickets having gone on sale on Tuesday.

Charity spokesperson Michelle Martin said: “The aim of the challenge is for participants to grow their £50 into hundreds, or even thousands through their own fundraising activities.

“This approach is a socially responsible hat trick - it will not only grow their start-up money to help us, it will also benefit the National Trust and the environment.

“All the money raised from the raffle will go towards supporting our nurses, helping them continue to care for people with a life-limiting illness across mid-Essex and offering vital support to patients and their families free of charge.”

Tickets cost £5 each, three for £10 or eight for £20.

The closing date is June 30, and the raffle will be drawn on July 9 at noon.

To donate to the cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/impamark-farleigh.