24 September 2012

Pushing up the Pentlands for St Columba’s Hospice

Almost 400 people took part in the first ever St Columba’s Hospice Great Pentlands Push in association in Edinburgh’s Pentland Hills on Saturday. 70% of participants completed the Gold Route (24.5 miles) with the rest of participants taking on the Silver (18 miles), Bronze (13 miles) or The Nudge for families (5 miles).

The winning time for the Gold Route was set by Eddie Walsh with a blistering time of 4 hours and 50 minutes. Anton Aitken was second fastest with a time of 5 hours. Participants enjoyed a day of stunning weather, inspiring scenery and great camaraderie.

The Great Pentlands Push is raising funds for an essential rebuild of St Columba’s Hospice. Over £100,000 sponsorship has been raised so far. David Fox Pitt, Director of WildFox Events, said: “We are very excited about this new challenge in the Pentland Hills. This event will provide a legacy for many years to come, giving much needed support for the wonderful work that St Columba’s Hospice does for the community in Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

Lesley Christie, Fundraising Director, St Columba’s Hospice, said: “The Pentlands are renowned for their extreme beauty and also their accessibility as they are so close to Edinburgh. Not only is The Great Pentlands Push a huge physical challenge, but it is helping us raise vital funds to help us build a brand new home for St Columba’s Hospice and enable us to provide the best care for generations to come.”

Lead Sponsors Franklin Templeton Investments Edinburgh-based spokesperson, Paul Collins, said: “Franklin Templeton is delighted to support the local community in the inaugural St Columba’s Great Pentlands Push. For decades this charity has provided vital care for patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses. This exhilarating event offers people the chance to raise funds for this very important cause, but also to take in some wonderful Scottish countryside.”

There is an ‘Early Bird’ discount for anyone who signs up now for next year’s Great Pentlands Push to be held on 21 September 2013. For more info check out www.greatpentlandspush.com.