British Gypsum's Staggering £100k in 100 Days Challenge

Leading plasterboard and drylining manufacturer, British Gypsum, has launched a charity challenge to raise an amazing £100,000 in just 100 days.

The ‘100k in 100 day’ campaign was devised by the company’s managing director, Mike Chaldecott, after an anonymous sponsor challenged him to raise £80,000 and has promised to top up the fundraising total to £100,000 if the target is reached.

Taking inspiration from Phileas Fogg’s ‘Around the World in 80 days’ challenge in 1873, which was also for a wager of £20,000, they  have set themselves the task of raising £100,000 in 100 days.

Mike Chaldecott, managing director at British Gypsum said: 'Although this is a huge target, I believe it is achievable with the support of friends, family, colleagues and employees, and I have no doubt there will be plenty of fun along the way.'

During the 100 days there will be a number of fund-raising events which include running the Windsor half-marathon, which will be followed  with the famous Paris 20k run a week later!

He said: 'When the mystery sponsor contacted me with the offer of topping up £80,000 to £100,000, it was too good to turn down.'

'The charities that will benefit from the event are both of particular importance to me. Macmillan Cancer Support does a marvellous job caring for people who are living with cancer, while giving support to their families. They were a great help to my father during his last few weeks before dying of prostate cancer, and I know that many other families have benefitted from their help and support in the same way.'

Mr Chaldecott is also a patron and trustee of CRASH, which supports new hostels and homes, providing training and rehabilititation to help the homeless back into society and work.

'Although £80,000 is not an easy target, it is achievable with the support of friends, family, colleagues, and our local communities. I’m sure the generous promise of a £20,000 boost will spur us all on too.'

To find out more about the challenge, visit 100kin100day.com or follow @100kin100day on twitter.