Colleagues run virtual 1,000km in 100 days to tackle homelessness in Peterborough

A team of seven colleagues from Vistry Group’s East Midlands region have strapped up and are virtually running the distance of Devon to Inverness for homeless charity Crisis.

Alan Lusha, Mark Bond, Gary Fane, Jane Coulson, Matthew Parker, Andrew Wilmot and Georgina McCrae are now more than 70 days in and have passed Edinburgh on their virtual map.

Once over, they plan to take part in a DIY SOS project at homeless support centre based in The Garden House, at Peterborough Cathedral, by painting and replacing the kitchen and flooring.

The virtual run, from Start Point Lighthouse in south Devon, to Castle Tavern in the Highland city, began before lockdown and is being continued outside, in their local area, using social distancing rules.

Procurement manager, Alan, said: “The challenge was to do a virtual run, from Start Point Lighthouse in Devon, to the Castle Tavern in Inverness. The team were able to drive to Start Point Lighthouse and run the first 10K to start the challenge, which despite following the coastline, was extremely hilly.

“Our East Midlands staff will help with a DIY SOS project for The Garden House in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral. The house is used as a central focal point for those struggling with homelessness, where they can meet a team of people who coordinate the various services available to ensure no-one has to sleep on the streets in Peterborough.

“We plan to replace their kitchen, flooring and paint the ground floor, to make the place look more inviting. We didn’t want to just hand over a cheque, but to get people involved and physically make a difference.”

To donate towards the running challenge, visit here