Challenge66 hires Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger for marathon effort
Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger, the Leeds-based arm of communications consultancy, the Bell Pottinger Group, is working with the Challenge66 team, to raise awareness of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The national fundraising event will see Andy McMenemy, the son of a former soldier, challenge the Guinness World Record for consecutive endurance marathons with no rest days.
McMenemy is hoping to raise one million pounds by running 66 marathons, in 66 cities, in 66 days. Funds raised for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will be used for its Current Operations Fund which provides support for soldiers and their families affected by service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Funds will also go to the many others who have suffered as a result of military campaigns, since the charity was formed 66 years ago.
Andy McMenemy said: “Challenge66 will be my toughest challenge yet after completing marathons in the Sahara and the Namibian Desert, including the notorious Marathon des Sables. I am very proud to be supporting ABF The Soldiers Charity who offer British Army personnel a lifetime of support.
“We are excited to have Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger on board and hope their expertise can help raise awareness of the event and the charity itself so that we can reach our one million pound target.”
Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger will be implementing a national media relations campaign to ensure maximum exposure of the extraordinary effort. During the marathons a social media campaign will be implemented to drive traffic to the Challenge66 Just Giving site.
Nathan Lane, MD of Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger, said: “Andy is undertaking a truly extraordinary challenge and we hope that we can gain him as much exposure as possible. Challenge66 is a unique event and is sure to raise the profile of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.”
Andy will begin his world record attempt on the 16th of March when he sets off for his first marathon in Leeds. After passing through the 66 official cities and four countries of the U.K Andy will complete the feat in York on the 20th of May, which is also his 50th Birthday.