Individuals ran, walked, swam, cycled, walked while hula hooping, paddle-boarded, kayaked and for some, on horseback to cover the distance for charity.
The Toy Trust has revealed that a mammoth 26,425km has been covered by the industry during the Around the World in 80 Hours event.
Participants from across the industry representing manufacturers, retailers and licensors came together with one aim – to cover the globe in distance covered through any activity that was non-motorised. Individuals ran, walked, swam, cycled, walked while hula hooping, paddle-boarded, kayaked and for some, on horseback.
The distance covered did not manage to circumnavigate the entire globe, but did cover all land mass on Earth joined together (with no oceans included) and goes further than Inverness to Auckland.
The event is expected to raise in excess of £20,000 for the Toy Trust which will go on to support two carefully selected UK-based children’s charity partners – myAFK and HCAG, both of which provide specialist mobility equipment for children who would otherwise not have access to due to long NHS waiting lists and high costs.
“This year’s event was like no other, and while we have not been able to gather together to take on the challenge in one place, I am so proud of the efforts of everyone from across the toy industry in getting involved wherever they are based,” commented Graham Canning, chairman of the Toy Trust committee. “It is fantastic to have seen over 375 individuals get involved and raise money for our inspirational children’s charities which will bring mobility and happiness to many children through their support.
“Thank you once again of the Toy Trust to everyone that took part.”
Lyn Prodger, corporate partnerships manager at myAFK, added: “It has been a really tough year for disabled children, young people and their families. Access to appropriate mobility equipment is simply vital for independence, good mental and physical health and just to get out and about and have fun.
“The biggest thank you to all those incredible people in the toy industry who have been out this weekend running, cycling, walking and swimming to raise funds for our work. Your generosity will help us provide the perfect wheelchair or trike and it couldn’t have come a better time.”
