Around the world in 80 days

NATIONAL POTATO supplier Branston is planning to virtually travel around the world in 80 days to support its charities of the year.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the potato supplier had to cancel its fund-raising events this year including its big annual 100-mile sponsored cycle. However, it will now be taking part in a walking, running, cycling and canoeing challenge to see if the team can virtually make it around the world in 80 days.

Staff from all its sites will be boosting their fitness and raising much-needed funds 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 will take place from Saturday 8 August to Monday 26 October, with staff aiming to cover more than 300 miles a day.

Managing Director James Truscott said: “It was really disappointing that we had to cancel our fundraising events this year owing to coronavirus. 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 raise even more vital funds as charities across the country need our help more than ever before.”

The virtual challenge was inspired by the fictional voyage undertaken by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days. The team will be racing against the clock to rack up the miles, aiming to make it all around the equator in a straight line (24,901 miles).

Every year Branston raises funds for a charity of the year at each of its sites and in 2019 the team donated an impressive £35,000, after various fundraising events and activities, for St Barnabas Hospice, St Margaret’s Hospice and Maggie’s Centre.

James added: “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.”

If you’d like to donate to Lincolnshire and Nottingham Air Ambulance please visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-lincoln

If you’d like to donate to Children’s Hospices South West please visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-south-west

If you’d like to donate to Rachel House; Children's Hospices Across Scotland please visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-scotland