Employees at the Bolton-based bakery Warburtons have reached a major fundraising milestone, announcing on 22 April 2026 that they have raised £4 million for Cancer Research UK since 2015.
The partnership, which involves staff across 28 sites including 12 bakeries and 16 depots nationwide, began with an initial target of £300,000. Employees exceeded that goal within just two years, leading to multiple extensions of the project. The most recent target of £4 million was set when the partnership was extended in 2023.
Fundraising efforts are led by a network of staff members known as Charity Champions. Workers have contributed through a variety of initiatives including bake sales, tombolas, sports matches, marathons, hikes, bike rides, and payroll giving. A significant benefit of this work is that the money raised locally is used to support research centres and projects near Warburtons sites, ensuring the funds provide a direct impact in the communities where employees live and work.
Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of the fifth-generation family business, stated that the achievement reflects the dedication of the company’s workforce. He noted that because cancer touches so many families, supporting the charity aligns with the core values of the business.
The partnership was initially inspired by personal experiences within the founding family. Executive Director Brett Warburton has highlighted that the connection to the charity began when his cousin, Ross Warburton, introduced the family to the University of Manchester’s cancer research facility at The Christie Hospital.
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