THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to two charities following this year’s Cooper Parry 10k Business Team challenge.

Eighty business teams took part in the 10k challenge in April.

The event, which takes place on the same day as the Derby 10k, raised £6,528.92.

Business advisors Cooper Parry, which organised the race, has decided to donated the money to Derbyshire charity Sporting Futures and a cancer research charity.

The most money was raised by Fluid Ideas, who collected £1,095.

Phil Harvey, managing director of the advertising agency, based in Friar Gate, said: “When I heard we’d raised the most sponsorship money I couldn’t believe it. “It’s amazing how much money you can raise if you’re persistent, so a massive thank you to all our friends, family, clients and suppliers. The facilities in the Pedigree suite at Pride Park stadium were outstanding and the atmosphere with a pitch side finish made it memorable for everyone involved.  We'd like to increase the amount we help raise year on year and look forward to next year’s race.”

Kay Smith, of Sporting Futures, a charity that helps focus young people away from crime by encouraging them to participate in sport, said: “We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the teams who have contributed to this total. The funds raised are vital to our organisation.”

Melanie Campbell, from Cooper Parry, said, "It was our first time organising the event and all the feedback suggests it was a huge success.