Russell Roof Tiles goes the distance with Race Across Europe 80 hours, five countries, one big challenge

Russell Roof Tiles is going the distance to raise money with its ambitious ‘Race Across Europe’ fundraiser which kicks off next month.

The challenge, which was inspired by the popular TV Show, ‘Race Across the World’ will see teams of two travel to five different countries across Europe in 80 hours all without flying.

The pioneering roof tile manufacturer is known for its innovative fundraising tasks, which have included a paddleboard marathon, dancing on the tiles, comedy night and its first sky dive in 2023.

This race starts on 5th June, when teams depart from various locations across the UK, with the goal to reach five famous sites within each allocated country, guided only by the clues provided and a strict cash budget.

Each team includes either a Russell Roof Tiles customer or supplier, plus a member of staff and each duo has to raise at least £1,500 between them. Any team that does not make it back within 92 hours will have to donate a further £500.

Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, Andrew Hayward, said: “Each year, we raise the bar and try new concepts when it comes to fundraisers for our Give4Good initiative, and we are certainly doing this with Race Across Europe. While the teams will be working hard to raise money for some great causes, we want to make sure that they are having fun while doing it.

“The European sites the teams must visit are all relevant to our industry and they will be sharing images and videos during their travels. I want to say a special thank you to everyone who volunteered, and I am looking forward to seeing which team manages to reach all five destinations.”

The fundraiser has been organised as part of the company’s ongoing Give4Good project, an initiative set up to aid communities local to its Burton and Lochmaben sites. The team of 150 at Russell Roof Tiles has pledged to raise £50,000 for 12 local charities through numerous events in 2024.

One of the teams includes Managing Director of Taylor Roofing, Simon Taylor, said: “I’ve partnered up with Ross Hayward from Russell Roof Tiles for this challenge and I thought it was such a unique but interesting way to raise money.

“The toughest part is going to be the uncertainty and inability to pre-plan, but travel to various unknown locations will be exciting - I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m ready to get involved and see how well we can do.”

Other participants include Harvey Jackson from PJ Colours who is racing with Michael Palmer, Area Sales Manager at Russell Roof Tiles, who added “I think the lack of sleep is going to be the biggest challenge for me and I’m also very competitive and really really want our team to win!”

Russell Roof Tiles has several other major fundraisers lined up including its Comedy Night on 30th May, Charity Golf Day at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club on 13th June and its Big Quiz in November.