Hundreds of people have backed a cancer support charity’s campaign to go the extra mile and run the perimeter of the area it serves.
Friends of Anchor launched its Go The Distance initiative at the start of the month, and it has already generated more than £13,000.
The original idea had been for participants to walk, run, cycle or even skate a total of 2,600 miles – roughly the same circumference as the north-east, Orkney and Shetland – throughout the month.
But uptake has been so high, with more than 500 people signing up, that the target has already been smashed – with more than 6,000 miles covered in the first week.
Some participants come from as far away as London, Spain, Switzerland and Texas.
Any donations or sponsorships collected will go towards its work supporting cancer and haematology patients in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Moray and the northern isles.
Fundraising and marketing assistant Naomi Forrest said: “The response has been superb.
“People’s reasons for getting involved are varied – from families bringing some child-friendly fun and distraction back to their daily outings, to squads of households banding together virtually to reach a huge goal.
“Some of our participants are walking or running in memory of a loved one who has passed away and so many people have told us they’re looking forward to having a positive target to look forward to.”
More than 60 teams have pledged their support for the campaign, including the Walkie Talkies, who are keeping in touch via phonecall during their daily outings, and a group of roller-skaters.
A 24-strong team has also been formed by staff from the radiotherapy department of the Anchor Unit, a dedicated oncology and haematology facility at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Brachytherapy advanced practitioner Caroline Pacitti, who is a keen cyclist, said: “This challenge came at the perfect moment for the team.
“We’ve been keen to do our bit for Friends of Anchor as the charity has been providing lovely nutritious lunches for the staff in the department, three days a week since early April.
“It’s been a strange a time for everyone to work through and those thoughtful touches have helped.”
Sign-ups for the scheme are still open and available to people of all ages or abilities.
More information can be found at friendsofanchor.org
