Neil Barker, chair of The Drinks Trust, has successfully completed the Sixtreme endurance challenge, running six ultramarathons in six days and raising more than £30,000 to support people working in the hospitality sector.
Barker undertook the epic run to mark the 140th anniversary of the charity, covering nearly 180 miles across Scotland, joined at various stages by many other industry figures.
Barker started on Monday, 27th July at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Ayrshire, and concluded on Saturday, 1st August at Fringe by the Sea – the multi-arts festival in North Berwick.
He covered approximately 30 miles each day over six days – more than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
As he crossed the finish line, he was joined by more than 25 friends, family and colleagues who ran alongside him for the final leg.
Fundraising from the charity campaign has now exceeded £30,000, including a variety of fundraising activations held throughout the week.
This amount is equivalent to the annual cost of The Drinks Trust’s Support Line, which provides free and confidential support to people working across the drinks industry who need immediate help.
Barker, who is also UK managing director of William Grant & Sons, said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the funds raised for The Drinks Trust. £30,000 seemed like such an ambitious target, so to have now exceeded this is truly incredible.
“To know that the £30,000 raised through Sixtreme could fund The Drinks Trust Support Line for an entire year is incredibly humbling. Every donation will help ensure that those facing hardship know they have somewhere to turn when they need support most.
“Businesses in the drinks and hospitality sector face significant challenges, which directly impact so many people working within it. That was exactly why I wanted to raise awareness of those challenges while generating much-needed funds to help meet the growing demand for support.
He added: “It was a daunting idea at first, but the encouragement and generosity shown by so many people made every step possible.”
Throughout the challenge, partners from across Scotland’s hospitality industry joined sections of the route and backed the fundraising effort, highlighting the collective strength and spirit of the sector.
Supporters also bid for a host of exclusive auction prizes throughout the week, helping to raise even more funds for the charity.
“The support from friends, family and colleagues was truly overwhelming,” said Barker. “From those who joined sections of the route and kept our spirits high, to the hotel and bar owners who generously donated auction prizes, it was a truly humbling experience.
“I believe hospitality is one of the greatest industries and 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, and I hope it will make a real difference to the lives of people working in hospitality.”
Among the supporting businesses and hospitality operators across Scotland were Trump Turnberry, C&C Group, Buzzworks, The Marine and Lawn Hotel Group, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scottish Rugby and Gleneagles.
Those wishing to continue supporting the campaign should visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/sixtremeontherocks
