A socially distanced day-long relay race in Edinburgh has raised thousands for charity
The endurance run saw 31 members of the university’s Geography Society run in one-hour time slots throughout the night to raise cash for Edinburgh based charity Health in Mind.
To ensure social distance rules were adhered to, participants passed a virtual batten onto the next runner without meeting in person.
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Hide AdEach runner selected a different time slot between 6pm and 6am and completed their one hour run.
After finishing their leg of the race they would press send an electronic notification to the next team mate telling them to start their run.
While most runners completed their run in Edinburgh some runners took part from other parts of the country and one runner completed his leg from Holland
Participants have trained hard throughout summer for the challenge with the fastest runner clocking an impressive 15km in one hour.
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Hide AdIn total the team ran 325.8km in 24 hours, equivalent to the distance between Edinburgh and Manchester.
University student Sophie Penman was part of the organising committee for the race and said the team is delighted to have been able to raise cash for Health in Mind.
The geography student added that the society intends to continue supporting the charity as much as possible throughout Covid-19 as they are aware of how important the resources offered at this time are.
Last year Health in Mind helped 2600 people in the Capital struggling with their mental health through a variety of one-to-one counselling and support groups and this number is thought to have risen sharply through the pandemic.
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Hide AdMiss Penman said: “Whilst the relay is over, the conversation about mental health is not. We are living in very uncertain times and now it is more important than ever to look out for those around you and look after yourself.
“By continuing to support and fundraise for Health in Mind, the Edinburgh University Geographical Society hopes to keep raising awareness of mental health issues and encourage others to get involved and do the same.”
The geography student added that the charity’s resources are particularly important for university attendees many of whom have seen their mental health impacted negatively by Covid-19.
Communications Manager at Health in Mind, Alana Genge has thanked the students and staff for their hard work fundraising.
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Hide AdShe said: “'It's an amazing achievement. We want to say a huge congratulations and thank you to the students at Edinburgh University for choosing to support Health in Mind.
“The students have been able to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health during this challenging time and have shown real commitment and energy to the cause. Looking after our mental health is always important but with Covid-19 that has never been truer. They are our Health in Mind Heroes!
“At Health in Mind we continue to support people in a flexible way. Please contact us if you would like to talk to someone about support.
To get in touch with Health and Mind visit their website or call 0131 225 8508.
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