Torness runners power on for charity

A determined team of Torness workers have taken on a gruelling endurance challenge to raise more than £6,000 for charity. The event, which was based on the popular Backyard Ultra format, saw participants run a loop on the hour, every hour, from 8am to 8pm. Runners had the choice of a 5km or a 7km route which took in the sea wall, the coastal path and Skateraw village. Both loops started and finished at the Visitor Centre.

Forty-three keen runners started the challenge with 19 completing all 12 laps. Those who completed all 12 long laps ran more than 80km each. In total, the team ran 2,397km, which would take you all the way from Torness to Zagreb in Croatia.

The event, which took place near the start of World Alzheimer’s Month, has raised more than £6,700 so far for Alzheimer Scotland, smashing the original £2,500 target.

Event organiser, Jonathan Hart said: “I was blown away with the enthusiasm, positivity, and teamwork that led many to go so much further than they had thought they were capable of. We had participants who originally planned to ‘just do a couple of laps’ go on to complete all 12. It’s incredible, and that is reflected in the amazing amount of money we have collected for this great cause. Thank you to all who have supported us.”

It is estimated that more than 90,000 people in Scotland are living with dementia with thousands more supporting and caring for those who have the condition. 

Tom Pavey from Alzheimer Scotland said: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this incredible event at Torness and to be working with EDF on a fantastic long-term partnership that is improving the lives of people living with dementia across Scotland. Alzheimer Scotland depends on fundraised money, and every penny will help us to continue to fund the vital network of Brain Health & Dementia Resource Centres, 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, national prevention programmes and vital research. The incredible support from EDF Torness helps us to Prevent Today, Care Now and Cure Tomorrow.”

Alzheimer Scotland and the Alzheimer’s Society are EDF’s corporate charity partners. Since the start of the partnership, EDF has raised more than £600,000 across its sites with Torness raising more than £25,000 of that total.

Station Director, Paul Forrest said: “I already knew we have a dedicated and hard-working team at Torness but the runners who took part in the challenge really proved that by digging deep and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones for a good cause. Some of them ran their furthest ever distance and I am proud of what they were able to achieve, both personally and for Alzheimer Scotland.”

Donations can continue to be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/torness-charity-challenge

For more information, contact: fiona.mccall@edf-energy.com