The Chair of a leading hospitality charity is set to undertake an extraordinary endurance challenge, running six ultramarathons in six days to raise vital funds and awareness for those working across the sector.
To mark the 140th anniversary of The Drinks Trust, Chair Neil Barker will take on the “SIXTREME” challenge, covering more than 170 miles across Scotland in a powerful demonstration of industry unity.
The challenge will begin on Monday 27 July at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Ayrshire, and conclude in North Berwick at Fringe by the Sea on Saturday 1 August. Each day, Barker will run approximately 28.3 miles (45.6km), exceeding the standard marathon distance.
Barker, who is also UK Managing Director of William Grant & Sons, described the challenge as both daunting and meaningful.
“It is a daunting challenge, but one I am genuinely excited about and one that I hope will make a real difference to the lives of people working in hospitality,” he said.
Funds raised will support hospitality workers facing financial hardship, mental health and wellbeing challenges, and barriers to employment. The initiative will also contribute to skills development and help nurture future talent entering the industry.
The campaign comes at a time when the hospitality sector continues to face mounting pressures, including rising operating costs, recruitment challenges and shifting consumer spending habits.
“Hospitality has played a special part in so much of my working life,” Barker added. “At its heart, it brings people together to create great shared experiences and lasting memories. It also plays a critical role in the UK economy and is often the starting point for many young careers.
“However, we know the difficult challenges the sector faces and the severe impact that it is having on many people working within it. Through the 140th anniversary of The Drinks Trust, I want to raise awareness of those challenges while generating much-needed funds to help meet growing demand for support.”
The SIXTREME challenge has already attracted backing from across Scotland’s hospitality landscape, with partners including Turnberry, C&C Group, Scottish Rugby and Gleneagles supporting the effort. Businesses, operators and industry colleagues are also expected to join Barker along sections of the route.
Supporters will have the opportunity to bid on a range of auction prizes throughout the challenge, helping to further boost fundraising efforts for those working in Scotland’s drinks and hospitality industries.
Barker added: “I couldn’t think of a better way to bring together colleagues, partners and friends from across the industry than through a unique endurance challenge that showcases some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery and iconic locations.
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“I believe that hospitality is one of the greatest industries and is one that I have had the pleasure of working in for nearly 40 years, but the people who power it need support. This SIXTREME challenge is about giving something back.”
Further details on auction prizes and key moments along the route will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information or to support the campaign, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sixtremeontherocks
