DIY retailer Wickes has raised a fantastic £500,000 in its first ever national charity partnership with cancer charity Leukaemia Research with plans to extend the partnership until the end of 2009.
The half a million pounds has been raised over the past two years through a variety of fundraising methods. Bank Holiday collection days raised £75,000 on their own, while the 'White Van Wit' joke book, sold exclusively in Wickes stores raised £50,000.

A supplier dinner at Wembley stadium in 2007 raised £105,000and even md Jeremy Bird raised £15,000 on his own by taking part in the 'Three peaks Challenge in June this year.

Mr Bird said: "to raise half a million is a brilliant achievement in our first ever charity partnership. We're delighted that the partnership has been extended."