BRANSTON RACES AGAINST THE CLOCK IN A BID TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

5th August 2020

PERTHSHIRE POTATO supplier Branston is planning to virtually travel around the world in 80 days to support its charity of the year Rachel House, which is run by Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the spud supplier had to cancel its fundraising 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 Rachel House, which provides care for babies, children and young people with a range of life-shortening conditions. The challenge will take place from Saturday 8 August to Monday 26 October with staff aiming to cover more than 300 miles a day.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston 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 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 Rachel House; Children's Hospices Across Scotland please visit, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-scotland

Branston is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes - for leading UK retailers and wholesalers - as well as providing seed for potato growers.

For more information about Branston, visit

www.branston.com