Endurance challenge launches new fundraising bond scheme

ORGANISERS of Scotland’s toughest endurance challenge are inviting teams to register for it and raise money for their own chosen charities.

The Caledonian Challenge pits its participants against some of the most rugged and stunning terrain in the country, and to celebrate this year’s 20th anniversary a new fundraising scheme which could bring in thousands for charities has been introduced.

The bond scheme allows charities the chance to enter teams to fundraise exclusively for their own causes, or lets teams choose their own.

Having secured bond places, Age Scotland is now actively recruiting participants from their network. Alisdair Caulfield, funding and development manager, said: “We are delighted to offer our supporters the chance to be part of such an established and wellknown event.

“The Caledonian Challenge has been the jewel in the challenge event crown in Scotland for many years and now with the new third sector bond scheme in place, we as an organisation have the opportunity to not only raise our profile but much-needed income.”

Jim Robertson of RBS formed a team of walkers and approached Erskine, a charity providing care for UK veterans in their homes all over Scotland, about taking part to raise funds through the bond scheme.

He said: “Having taken part in the Caledonian Challenge three times in the past raising funds for Foundation Scotland, I thought it was an excellent idea when they introduced the bond place scheme. This will allow other charities to benefit from the walk and allowed me to approach Erskine to participate on their behalf.

“There were many reasons for walking for Erskine; they provide valuable support to ex-servicemen and women in Scotland from conflicts past and present, I used to be in the Royal Navy, I’m originally from the Erskine area and family members worked at the hospital.”

The Caledonian Challenge takes place on June 11-12, offering two courses. The 54 takes in 54 miles in 24 hours over rugged terrain, starting on the Great Glen Way, following the West Highland Way South and finishing at Strathfillan near Tyndrum; and The 24 is 24 miles in 12 hours, starting in Glen Nevis, following the West Highland Way South, taking on the infamous Devil’s Staircase and finishing in Glencoe.

Organisers have extended the application bond scheme deadline to March 1, allowing more time for walkers to approach charities about purchasing places.