The 450 mile cycle around Scotland fundraising challenge set up by HIT Scotland and Crerar Hotels has smashed the original target of £5,000, and has raised £17,000 – all of which will go towards providing empowering inspirational development to those studying or working in the hospitality industry in Scotland.
Set up by Chris Wayne-Wills, Chief Executive Officer of Crerar Hotels and Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Cheif Executive David Cochrane, the challenge was based around Crerar hotel groups Crerar450 scenic road trip – a route which takes in 450 miles between all seven, four-and five-star Crerar Hotels properties.
The cycling Challenge set off in mid September from Balmoral Arms in Ballater before they cycled to Thainstone House Hotel in Inverurie, Golf View Hotel in Nairn, The Glencoe Inn, Oban Bay Hotel, the Isle of Mull Hotel, Loch Fyne Hotel in Inveraray, and sister hotel Dunkeld House Hotel in Perthshire, before returning to Ballater.
Whilst Chris cycled more than 450 miles in less than a week alongside Glenn Woodage, Assistant Director of F&B at Virgin Hotels, Edinburgh and member of HIT Future Group, David and other hospitality advocates joined the CEO on several legs of the challenge whilst teams also took part virtually, cycling, walking or running the miles. In total, Chris, Glenn and the virtual participants clocked up an impressive 2,825 miles over the course of the challenge.
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, said, “Cycling the Crerar450 was the experience of a lifetime, to say the least. I’m a keen cyclist, but this really pushed me to my limit, tackling almost every season Scotland had to throw at us along the way. However, I had the wonderful support of HIT Scotland, my Crerar Hotels family and many partners and hospitality professionals.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the challenge, we’ve raised a fantastic amount for the hospitality industry, these funds are incredibly valuable, especially at a time like this.”
David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland, said, “This challenge was incredibly demanding, but the sheer amount of support we received has made it worth it. It just shows how wonderful this industry is, that we can all come together to support a great cause.
“The £17,000 we’ve raised will help fund HIT’s inspirational scholarship programme, and I want to personally thank everyone who took part and donated, even those who cheered us on – it helped everyone clock in those miles.”