2020 vision: Kier employees take on charity challenge

SCORES of employees from Kier Construction Scotland have been raising money for charity by taking part in a gruelling relay challenge.

The 2020 Challenge – so-called because the goal is to complete it in 2020 hours – is a relay from Kier’s most northerly construction site in Orkney to its most southerly project in Cornwall.

The entire challenge, which aims to raise £200,000, is being completed using non-motorised transport.

Scottish employees started the challenge from Kirkwall in Orkney on Easter Sunday, and the relay will see the team visit all of Kier’s regional offices on its way to the Cornish capital, Truro, where it will arrive on July 14.

Over 140 of Kier’s Scottish-based employees have racked up 685 miles to complete their leg of the challenge as part of a 2,000 strong UK team. Staff have been walking, running or cycling, together with more unusual modes of transport such as rickshaws, rollerblades and even a unicycle.The journey has taken in landmarks including the Tay Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh Castle and George Square.

Money raised will be split between the Kier Foundation, an independent charity that raises funds for Kier’s charity partner The Alzheimer’s Society, and local charities Alzheimer’s Scotland, the Beatson Cancer Charity and Forward Assist.

Brian McQuade, managing director, Kier Construction Scotland said, “This is the largest and most complex charity commitment the company has ever been involved in. We’re very proud to take on this challenge, which will provide much-needed funds for our local and national charity partners.

“Everyone taking part has been incredibly committed to this challenge and the fundraising response is fantastic – we are already halfway towards hitting our £200,000 goal. We hope that our Scottish team alone will raise somewhere in the region of £25,000, which would be a really impressive achievement.”