Colleagues from UK potato supplier Branston started an 80-day fitness challenge Saturday that will raise funds for various charities.
The unique ‘virtual’ event, bearing the same length as the famous Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days, replaces Branston’s annual 100-mile cycling race, which had to be canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Employees had raised £35,000 during fundraising events and activities in 2019 for St Barnabas Hospice, St Margaret’s Hospice and Maggie’s Centre.
“It was really disappointing that we had to cancel our fundraising events this year,” said James Truscott, managing director at Branston. “However, we’re delighted that we can still raise money for charities that are local to us by taking part in a virtual challenge instead. We’re setting ourselves quite a challenge, but it’s important that we all push ourselves to raise even more vital funds as charities across the country need our help more than ever before.”
Branston will now be walking, running, cycling and canoeing in a fitness quest to make it around the world (24,901 miles) to raise monies for Lincolnshire and Nottingham Air Ambulance, Children’s Hospices South West and Rachel House which is run by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.
The challenge runs through 26 October, as staff hopes to cover more than 300 miles a day.
“We hope that everyone is keen to support and encourage our endeavours; we’re aiming to raise at least £16,000 across all three sites,” Truscott said.
Donations can be made at each of these links: the Lincolnshire and Nottingham Air Ambulance; the Children’s Hospices South West; and the Rachel House; Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.
