Accountancy firm ICS is aiming to raise £5,000 after choosing South Lakeland-based charity CancerCare, and Defying Dementia as its two charities to support in 2016.

John Lyon, ICS managing director, said: “There are so many fantastic charities doing phenomenal work in the Lancashire and Cumbria area, but CancerCare and Defying Dementia really resonated with the ICS team. Sadly, like many people, some of our staff members have had personal experiences with cancer and dementia, so we found that these charities were the ones particularly close to our hearts.”

A number of fundraising activities have now been planned over the coming months, including a sponsored walk, quiz night, bake sale, spin-a-thon and the ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge.

At the end of the 12 month period, the total amount of money raised will be split equally between the two charities.

Mr Lyon added: “We have a busy summer coming up with plenty of fundraising events planned and we are looking forward to offering our support and raising vital funds for two incredible charities.”

Neil Townsend, CEO of CancerCare, said: “CancerCare is delighted that the staff of ICS have pledged to raise money to help support the work of our charity.”

Laura Slater, Defying Dementia community fundraiser, said: “Most people will experience the effects of dementia at some point in their lives, whether that be through family members with dementia or having the disease themselves, and the money that is raised from ICS will go to helping us carry out important pre-clinical trials for a drug that will hopefully stop Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks.”