16 May 2011

Another fantastic Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge

A massive thanks from the WildFox staff to the 270 brave souls who took on 29 miles of the Southern Upland Way in the Borders on Saturday the 14th of May for Poppyscotland and Hearts and Heroes. They were treated to a magic day of sunshine and top scenery as they climbed as high as the famous three Brethen cairns at the top of Yair hill (464 metres).

Despite a fairly grim forecast the day shaped up nicely after a blustery start. A grand total of 198 ran, walked or hobbled over the gold finish line in Melrose to a rapturous applause from an expectant crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Once the massage team from Athletes Angles had soothed tired muscles the teams were fed, watered and entertained until the early hours.

The top finishers this year were:

Bronze (12 miles): Kevin Pedder who finished in one hour and fifty minutes
Silver (21 miles): Joe West who finished in four hours and forty three minutes
Gold (29 miles): Rory Thompson who finished in four hours and forty minutes

WildFox Challenges are more about taking part than winning and plenty of prizes were handed out at the award ceremony. These included the trophy for the best-dressed, which went to dapper Dundee and Angus Cadets. The trophy for the most quirky team name went to the ‘not particularly fast and the not particularly furious.’

The success of this year’s Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge was down to the hard work and patience of the local support staff. Special thanks to the Tweed Valley Bike Patrol, the Tweed Mountain Rescue, 2180 Galashiels Squadron ATC Cadets (who were brilliant), Melrose RFC for running the bar and Barnetts Catering company from Selkirk. 

Many of the participants were also from the Borders, including Alistair Marsh who has recently back from the Mount Everest base camp. On crossing 61st over the finishing line he reportedly said: “now I really am knackered.”

Like all of the WildFox Events our Borders challenge is all about raising money for good causes. Now in its third year, this year’s challenge is expected to match the £170,000 raised for Poppyscotland and Hearts and Heroes in 2010. Our challenges have raised a staggering £20 million for charities over the past decade.

Poppyscotland provides year-round support to ex-Service people and their families across Scotland. Funds raised are used to provide direct financial assistance to individuals and to award grants to organisations that deliver specialist services to veterans.

Hearts & Balls exists to help rugby help its own. Founded in 1999 the organisation supports players and families impacted by catastrophic injury, bereavement or serious illness.

“Thanks to all of our participants for taking part this year,” commented Wild Fox Event Director David Fox-Pitt. “As well as achieving your own personal challenge you have helped our heroes along the way.”