The Agnew Group has raised its two-year funding target of £200,000 for the Cancer Fund for Children a full year ahead of schedule – just in time for Christmas.

The Belfast-based subsidiary of Sytner Group has set an ambitious target of raising a further £250,000 for the cancer charity in 2019 following the successful efforts of its 1,100 staff across all 16 dealership sites.

Yuile Magee, Agnew Group’s managing director, said: “In 2017, we selected Cancer Fund for Children as our nominated charity.

“We set an ambitious fundraising target to raise £200k over a two-year period. Our 1,100 staff, across all 16 dealerships, were very enthusiastic and organised a diverse range of events and activities to raise money.

"As the overall total got steadily closer to the £200,000 milestone, staff were spurred on to hit the target and raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthwhile cause. We are thrilled with their efforts.

"Though we don't intend to rest on our laurels. The Agnew Group is currently in the process of setting a new target for 2019. We hope to have generated at least £250K by the end of next year."

Agnew employees raised money through a range of fundraising activities, from taking part in the charity’s Bog Run, Slieve Donard and All Wrapped Up campaigns, to organising their own coffee mornings, BBQ events, raffles and customer competitions, as well as donating through payroll giving.

Funds raised will enable Cancer Fund for Children to provide children and young people aged up to 24 affected by cancer, and their families, with a range of practical, emotional and financial support, as well as free therapeutic short breaks, to help them cope with the impact cancer has on their lives.

Cancer Fund for Children chief executive, Gillian Creevy, said: “I would like to thank Agnew Group, their staff and customers for their incredible generosity and ongoing support.

“At Cancer Fund for Children we understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis can have on children, young people and families and we rely so much on the support of local communities and businesses to ensure that beyond essential clinical care, family life can be supported and rebuilt.

“We simply could not help families if it wasn’t for the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of charity partners like Agnew Group. It’s absolutely fantastic and we truly value their support.”