Kilmarnock Diageo workers stride out for charity

Dec 19 2008 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard

THE famous Johnnie Walker ‘striding man’ logo has proved to be inspirational for a trio of local Diageo employees.

Gail Anderson, Danny Chilton and Christopher Gough walked across the Sahara desert – and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Gail, site relations manager at the company’s Kilmarnock packaging plant; Danny, risk facilitator at the Hurlford warehousing and distribution site; and Christopher, a Hurlford stock handler, jetted off to North Africa to raise vital funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Their six-day adventure trek saw them hike across one of the least hospitable environments in the world which experiences temperatures reaching 50°C.

Money raised will be matched by the Diageo Foundation. Last year, the Kilmarnock plant, which employs 675 people, raised more than £52,000 for local and regional charities such as Children 1st and Ayrshire Cancer Support. This was matched by the Diageo Foundation to reach a grand total of £105,000.

Gail, Danny and Christophers’ sand-stomping sortie raised more than £8000 for charity, including a match-funding contribution from the Diageo Foundation.

Danny’s son David, 21, suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe condition which attacks the muscular system. David has been a regular visitor to CHAS’ Rachel House in Kinross.

This year’s desert endeavour was Danny’s sixth charity trek.

He said: “Once again, the whole company has been right behind us. With so much fundraising going on throughout the year it can be difficult to keep people motivated but there is great team spirit and everyone is happy to support worthy causes.”

It was trek number one for Christopher but the fourth for Gail after two visits to China and one to Peru. After the Saharan walk, New Zealand is next on the list.

Gail said: “By this time next year I’d love to be able to say I’ve trekked all over the world. The support we’ve had from colleagues and management has been fantastic.”

The Diageo Foundation is a registered charity whose aim is to create positive, long-term change in the community. The Foundation makes charitable donations, matches Diageo employee fundraising in the UK, and provides longer-term social investment in areas to make the most difference.