Neil Barker, chair of hospitality charity The Drinks Trust – and UK managing director of William Grant & Sons – is set to undertake an epic endurance challenge, running six ultramarathons in just six days to raise funds and awareness for those working across the hospitality sector.
To mark the 140th anniversary of The Drinks Trust, Barker is taking on the SIXTREME challenge, covering more than 170 miles across Scotland in a demonstration of the industry ‘coming together behind a shared cause’.
Beginning on Monday July 27 at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Ayrshire, the challenge will conclude in North Berwick at Fringe by the Sea on Saturday August 1.
On each day of the challenge, Neil will be running approximately 28.3 miles – more than a standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
He said: “It is a daunting challenge, but one I am genuinely excited about and one that I hope will make a real difference to the lives of people working in hospitality.”
Funds raised will go towards helping hospitality workers facing financial hardship, mental health and wellbeing challenges, or barriers to employment, while also supporting skills development and future talent entering the sector.
“Hospitality has played a special part in so much of my working life,” said Neil. “At its heart, it brings people together to create great shared experiences and lasting memories. It also plays a critical role in the UK economy and is often the starting point for many young careers.
“However, we know the difficult challenges the sector faces and the severe impact that it is having on many people working within it. Through the 140th anniversary of The Drinks Trust, I want to raise awareness of those challenges while generating much-needed funds to help meet growing demand for support.”
The challenge will be supported by partners from across Scotland’s hospitality industry, with businesses, operators and colleagues joining sections of the route and backing the fundraising effort.
Supporters will also have the chance to bid on a host of auction prizes throughout the challenge, helping to raise even more funds for people working across Scotland’s drinks and hospitality industries.
Neil continued: “I couldn’t think of a better way to bring together colleagues, partners and friends from across the industry than through a unique endurance challenge that showcases some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery and iconic locations.
“I believe that hospitality is one of the greatest industries and is one that I have had the pleasure of working in for nearly 40 years but the people who power it need support. This SIXTREME challenge is about giving something back.”
SIXTREME has attracted support from businesses and hospitality operators including Turnberry, C&C Group, Scottish Rugby and Gleneagles, with further details of auction prizes and moments along the route to be announced in the coming weeks.
