IN A marathon effort to raise funds for the Hospitality Industry Trust, Crerar Hotels has challenged its friends and colleagues to undertake a 450-mile charity cycle on a route around its properties.
Crerar Hotels Chief Executive – and HIT Trustee – Chris Wayne-Wills, and HIT chief executive David Cochrane, were the first to sign up to the ‘HIT the Crerar450’ challenge, which will start from the Balmoral Arms in Ballater, then visit Thainstone House Hotel in Inverurie, the Golf View Hotel in Nairn, The Glencoe Inn, the Oban Bay Hotel, the Isle of Mull Hotel, the Loch Fyne Hotel in Inveraray and the Dunkeld House Hotel, before completing the route back at the Balmoral Arms.
With the starting date set for September 17, both Chris and David have begun their training regime with the aim of completing the charity challenge within six consecutive days. Anyone is welcome to join them for all or part of the route.
All the sponsorship money raised will go towards providing ‘inspirational development’ to those studying or working in the hospitality industry in Scotland.
For those unable to make the live event but wanting to participate, the challenge is also available virtually. Fundraisers can choose to walk, jog, run, cycle, row or swim to clock up the 450 miles throughout the week individually or by joining as a team.
Chris Wayne-Wills said: “Since launching the highly popular Crerar450 route, it’s been a goal of mine to add a fundraising element to help support the incredible work that HIT Scotland does across our industry.
“The idea was born following a HIT Scotland meeting where David and I decided to make it happen. We’re both keen cyclists, although this is a little further than we’re used to, so the training is currently underway.
“Not only are we keen to raise as much money as possible for HIT Scotland, it is also a brilliant team building challenge and helps puts the focus on health and wellbeing. We’re hoping many of our colleagues and friends within the industry will take part either for a leg of the challenge or indeed virtually – after all the benefits are endless.
“The support we’ve had since announcing the challenge has been brilliant, we’re looking forward to September already.”
Mr Cochrane added: “Over the years we have undertaken many physical and demanding challenges. For me, it is a great sign of how the industry comes together to help the emerging talent of our industry. People are key to hospitality and tourism.
“This cycling challenge will be a real test of endurance, although we will be travelling through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Ultimately, through our efforts, we will be raising funds for HIT’s inspirational scholarship programme and this will keep our wheels turning until we hit the finishing line!”
To join the challenge email events@hitscotland.co.uk ; or to donate visit justgiving.com/campaign/crerar450
