PERTHSHIRE POTATO supplier Branston has challenged its staff to virtually travel around the world in 80 days to raise money for charity

The spud supplier had to cancel its fundraising events this year due to the pandemic, but will instead be walking, running, cycling and canoeing their way towards supporting their charity of the year, Rachel House, which is run by Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Staff from all its sites will be boosting their fitness and raising much-needed funds for Rachel House, which provides care for babies, children and young people with a range of life-shortening conditions.

The challenge kicked off on Saturday, August 8 and will continue to Monday, October 26, with staff aiming to cover more than 300 miles a day.

Managing director at Branston, James Truscott, said: “It was really disappointing that we had to cancel our fundraising events this year due to coronavirus. However, we’re delighted that we can still raise money for a charity that is 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 £35,000, after various fundraising events and activities, for St Barnabas Hospice, St Margaret’s Hospice and Maggie’s Centre.

Mr Truscott 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.”

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