Making strides to aid charities

Sep 14 2007 By Leda Reynold, Birmingham Mail

RESIDENTS of all ages are invited to put their best foot forward and go around the world in a day to raise money for good causes.

The Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel, in Solihull, will be one of 15 from across the country and Ireland tomorrow hosting a national charity event called Around the World in a Day.

Organisers say the aim is that, collectively, people will complete the circumference of the Earth's 24,901.55 miles.

The hotel, based at the NEC site, is inviting people to take part and raise funds to support visually impaired young people.

Organisers say proceeds will be shared between the Hilton In The Community Foundation and charities Action for Blind People in the UK and St Joseph's Services for the Visually Impaired in Ireland.

Andrew Swindells, the hotel's general manager, said: "It doesn't matter what age someone is or their level of fitness - every bit of effort helps.

"To get involved all people have to do is register in advance and join us at the hotel on for a fantastic day of fun and fitness."

Fund-raising takes place with two events - Miles4fun and the Team Challenge.

Miles4fun is an all-inclusive family two-hour event where anyone can try and complete a one-mile route outlined in the vicinity of the hotel's grounds.

The Team Challenge is slightly more rigorous and involves groups of four who have eight hours to complete as many miles as possible on cardiovascular equipment within the foyers of the hotel.

Anyone who would like to find out more or take part in Around the World in a Day can turn up for registration, call 020 7605 7733 or log on to www.hilton-foundation.org.uk