Master Cutler’s Challenge

The Master Cutler’s Challenge is an entrepreneurial initiative that brings together businesses, organisations and individuals from across South Yorkshire to make a difference in their communities.

Each participant is given £50 by the Master Cutler and challenged to use their entrepreneurial flair, creativity and community spirit to turn it into a significantly larger sum for the Master’s nominated charity.

The aim is simple: take a small investment and make it go as far as possible. Whether through fundraising, events or an innovative new idea, participants are encouraged to think creatively and put their skills to work.

At the end of the Challenge, proceeds are donated to the chosen charity, helping to extend its reach and create an even greater impact in the local community.

Chosen Charity 2025-26 | Weston Park Cancer Charity

The Master Cutler for 2025–2026, Professor Keith Jackson, announced Weston Park Cancer Charity as his chosen charity for his Mastership year due to his longstanding ties to the healthcare sector and personal experience of cancer within his family.

This year’s Challenge will support Weston Park Cancer Charity’s ‘See It. Treat It.’ appeal, which aims to raise £1.85 million to fund a groundbreaking MRI simulator for the Weston Park Cancer Centre. This advanced piece of equipment will significantly improve the accuracy of radiotherapy planning and delivery – offering life-changing benefits to the one in two people who will face cancer in their lifetime.

Sign-Up to the Challenge

Past Challenges

Initiated by Past Master Gordon Bridge, the Master Cutler’s Challenge has raised funds for charities across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, while giving participants the opportunity to have fun, get creative and put their entrepreneurial skills to the test.

The Challenge recognises the vital work carried out by local charities and the difference they make within our communities. While it is not possible to support every charity each year, the Challenge provides an opportunity to focus collective efforts on the causes chosen by the Master Cutler during their year in office, helping to amplify their impact locally.

2024-2025 | Philip Rodrigo
Sheffield Hospitals Charity

2023-2024 | Charles Turner MBE DL
Sheffield Cathedral’s Schools Singing Programme

2022-2023 | Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL
Wentworth Woodhouse Education and Community Programme

2021-2022 | James Tear
Cavendish Cancer Care

2019-2021 | Nick Williams TD DL
Weston Park Cancer Charity

2018-2019 | Nick Cragg
St Luke’s and Rotherham Hospices

2017-2018 | Ken Cooke
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

2016-2017 | Richard Edwards
TBC

2015-2016 | Craig McKay DL
St Luke’s and Rotherham Hospices

2014-2015 | David Grey MBE
Brathay Trust and Help for Heroes

2013-2014 | Tony Pedder OBE DL
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

2012-2013 | Neil MacDonald OBE
St Luke’s Hospice

2011-2012 | Pam Liversidge OBE DL
Cavendish Cancer Care

2010-2011 | Bill Spiers
Workwise

2009-2010 | James Newman OBE
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

2008-2009 | Martin Howell
TBC

2007-2008 | Gordon Bridge OBE
St Luke’s and Rotherham Hospices