Andy’s fundraising idea is one in a million

A TEAM of 10 Oban Times staff members will collectively walk one million steps this month to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The challenge, which begins just a few days ahead of World Cancer Day on Saturday February 4, will be measured using step- counter devices such as Fitbits. The OT team chose Cancer Research UK after realising how much cancer has affected staff and their friends and family.

Oban Times production manager Andy Bruce, who came up with challenge idea, said: ‘ With constantly improving treatments available, Cancer Research UK is making a real difference to cancer sufferers and their families. ‘Our aim is to raise £1,000 for the cause. It should be a lot of fun too.’ The Fitbit team taking part are, left to right, Andy Bruce, Louise Glen, Nicky Murphy, Susan Windram, Louise Steele, Carolyn Buchanan, Lorna Scott, Rhona McKillop, Kevin McCubbin and Stephanie Dunstaffnage.

A TEAM of 10 staff from The

Oban Times will collectively walk one million steps this month to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The challenge, which begins just a few days ahead of World Cancer Day on Saturday February 4, will be measured using step- counter devices such as Fitbits.

The OT team chose Cancer Research UK after realising how much cancer has affected staff and their friends and family. Oban Times production manager Andy Bruce, who came up with challenge idea, said: ‘ With constantly improving treatments available, Cancer Research UK is making a real difference to cancer sufferers and their families. Our aim is to raise £1,000 for the cause.

‘ The challenge will also be good for promoting good health in the workplace, especially as we all sit at desks for most of the day. ‘It should be a lot of fun too.’ He added: ‘ The Oban Times would like to thank Fitbit for kindly donating a number of devices for the challenge.’

To ensure the fundraising really is a challenge, the team’s step count will only apply to steps taken during work hours – 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

In order to reach the target, each staff member, all of whom have desk jobs, must reach a minimum of 5,000 steps in their working day by taking regular screen breaks and long walks at lunchtime.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said: ‘ We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at The

Oban Times for their act of unity for World Cancer Day. The one million steps challenge will raise vital funds for research to beat cancer sooner.

‘Cancer Research UK spent more than £ 33 million on research in Scotland last year. One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives but the good news is that more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

‘Survival rates have doubled since the 1970s but more funds and more supporters are need- ed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.’

For World Cancer Day on Saturday, Cancer Research UK is calling on men, women and children to play their part by wearing a ‘Unity’ band or donating to the cause. Money raised will help fund lifesaving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

The bands come in three different colours and are available in all 84 Cancer Research UK shops for a suggested donation of £2 as well as online at www.cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday.

To donate to The Oban Times fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OTmillionsteps.