Scotland’s rural charity, RSABI is celebrating following confirmation that its Great Glen Challenge event has raised in excess of £59,000, smashing its initial target of £50,000, having raised £47,000 last year.
The Great Glen Challenge event, sponsored by Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors, saw 100 competitors run, cycle, kayak and walk 70km from Invermoriston to Fort William on 28 August. This year’s event was the biggest yet, with 25 teams of four people from across a wide spectrum of agricultural and other land-based businesses and organisations.
This year’s winners were Royal Bank of Scotland with two teams from CKD Galbraith following closely behind in second and third position.
With £59,392 raised to date, these funds will help RSABI provide advice, support and financial aid to people struggling to cope from agricultural and other land-based industrial backgrounds throughout Scotland. RSABI helps around 600 people on an annual basis and estimates that many more across Scotland could qualify for their help.
RSABI’s event director, Paul Tinson said:
“We could not be more delighted with the total amount raised and my colleagues and I thank all those who took part in the Great Glen Challenge, our sponsors, Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors, our partner organisations, volunteer stewards and the hundreds of people who have donated so generously up and down the country.
“As everyone knows, this summer has pushed many involved in Scotland’s rural sector to breaking point with prolonged, poor weather and inadequate market returns. If you, or someone you know is not coping, RSABI urges you to call 0300 111 4166.
George Lawrie, NFU Scotland treasurer and chairman of SAOS, is a long term supporter of this event – with teams from both organisations competing in Great Glen Challenge 2015. He said:
“This is a tremendous achievement from the agriculture community to raise so much money for such a worthy cause at a time when the industry is struggling to cope with severe weather and low prices.
“Being part of a Great Glen Challenge team and chairman of SAOS, which entered two teams for the first time, you can also see the benefits it brings by way of staff team-building, leading up to and during the event.
“All in all, it was a great event to be involved in, especially with such a large sum raised.”
