A north-east cancer charity is gearing up for the second round of a virtual fundraising challenge.
Friends of Anchor recently challenged its supporters to collectively walk, run or cycle 2,600 miles to represent the area the charity covers.
But the team were overwhelmed the response, with more than 650 supporters clocking 96,100 miles – virtually going round the world three times – to raise more than £45,600.
Now it has launched Going the Distance 2.0 to help further recoup some of the income lost due to coronavirus. It is estimated the charity has lost out on about 60% of its income due to the cancellation of traditional fundraising events such as the Loch Ness Marathon and Ride the North.
For this challenge, participants are being asked to help reclaim those “lost miles”.
Fundraising coordinator Carly Munro said: “In a normal year, hundreds of people would be pounding the pavements for Friends of Anchor, or hitting the trails by foot or bike in their red T-shirts, but with events postponed or cancelled throughout the summer, there are hundreds of race entries that remain unfulfilled for 2020.
“Going the Distance 2.0 is about reclaiming those miles – not just for the people who would have taken on events, but for anyone who is feeling a sense that they have their own personal lost miles that they want to reclaim.”
The challenge begins on September 1, with the charity calling for participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, to walk, run, cycle, skate or even scoot to help them reach the 5,088 mile target.
The target includes all the miles that would have been covered by the charity’s supporters this year, including 288 Intellicore Red Run participants, 38 Kiltwalkers, 11 Loch Ness marathon runners, and 17 Ride the North cyclists, among many others.
To sign up, visit www.friendsofanchor.org/index.php/events/going-the-distance