ARCHIE Highland
4 September 2017
Put your best foot forward and walk Great Wall of China for ARCHIE Highland
Hundreds of people have already signed up to take part in the ARCHIE Foundation’s Virtual Challenge, which covers the length of part of the Great Wall of China.
Among the eager participants are staff from leading Inverness solicitors and estate agents Munro and Noble and city IT firm, Dynamic Edge, who have all agreed to step it up to raise vital funds for the Highland children’s charity.
ARCHIE’S Virtual Challenge is a month long event and kicks-off on September 1. It’s free to take part and all you have to do is track every step you take at work or at home using a pedometer, Fitbit, mobile, tablet or laptop and watch your progress as you advance through the challenge.
Although the Great Wall of China is a whopping 13,171 miles long – you don’t need to walk the entire length, The ARCHIE Foundation has chosen a section which is 175 miles long which means, on average, you will walk a minimum of 11,730 steps each day.
Participants can do the challenge independently or can trek with colleagues, friends or family, and track every step in the thrilling online race to see who can cross the finish line in time.
Whether its walking to work, working out in the gym or simply climbing the stairs at home, every step counts and participants can log their progress online.
Participants can also do some fundraising at the same time and help make the difference to local sick children. For those who complete the challenge there are also some exciting prizes up for grabs, including a once in a lifetime trip to China in 2018, to trek the real Great Wall for the top fundraiser.
The ARCHIE Foundation (Highland), supports sick children and their families across the North of Scotland.
The charity exists to make a difference for local children when they are sick, in hospital or in need of long-term healthcare.
Laura Mackintosh, head of fundraising for ARCHIE (Highlands and Western Isles) said: “We are delighted that so many people have already signed up to this challenge, including Munro and Noble and Dynamic Edge. It’s an excellent way for firms to help raise money – and it’s so easy, just wear a pedometer and get started. We’re hoping lots of firms, friends and family members from across the Highlands will join us and get involved to help us raise money to make a difference to sick children across the Highlands.”
Mary Nimmo, Partner with Munro and Noble, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the virtual challenge for the ARCHIE Foundation (Highland).
“It is a very deserving cause and all the staff at Munro and Noble are very happy to be supporting such an important Highland charity.
“Along with our friends at Dynamic Edge, we want to try and raise as much money as possible for ARCHIE Highland to allow the charity to continue and build on the good work it does for local sick children.
“We are confident we can all step up to the Virtual Challenge and cover a section of the Great Wall of China.”
Stephen Laurie, general manager, Dynamic Edge said: “ARCHIE Highland does incredible work in the local community and it’s a real asset for the Highlands. There is now a fantastic Children’s Unit facility at Raigmore Hospital. The campaign to create this was driven by ARCHIE.
“By walking just a few steps a day seems like a great way to keep active and to raise money for a deserving cause.”
The state-of-the-art Highland Children’s Unit was built following a campaign by The ARCHIE Foundation which encouraged individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across the Highlands to help raise £2 million in the huge fundraising drive. The unit opened its doors in May last year. The money raised from the challenge will be used for life-enhancing equipment and other equipment which is not included in the NHS budget to make sure youngsters in the Children’s Unit have as easy and comfortable a stay as possible.
To take part in the virtual challenge all you need to do is register at www.archieschallenge.org.uk/