Winners selected to participate in ultra-marathon for Reuben’s Retreat

Two members of the travel industry have been selected to participate in an ultra-marathon and raise money for Reuben’s Retreat.

Louie Davis, senior strategy manager at easyJet holidays, and Olivia Edwards, content marketing manager at Panache Cruises, won free places on the two-day 100km Race to the Stones challenge in July in a competition organised by the charity in partnership with A-Rosa River Cruises and Fred Holidays.

They were selected from all the entries by A-Rosa’s UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe with the support of Fred Holidays’ product director Tricia Birmingham and Reuben’s Retreat founder Nicola Graham.

More: Inspire Group raises £10,000 for Reuben’s Retreat

The pair will join the rest of the ‘Reuben’s Racers’ team which includes Rowe; Birmingham; Lisa McAuley, director at Hays Travel; Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, sales and marketing director at Barrhead Travel and her husband Lee; former travel industry professional Jane Atkins and her husband Neil; and travel journalist Jeannine Williamson.

As part of the prize package, Davis and Edwards will have one-to-one access to lifestyle and running coach Rory Coleman. They must also both raise a minimum of £700 for Reuben’s Retreat, with the whole team targeting a total of more than £7,000.

“I’m definitely up for this challenge,” said Davis. “I’m a keen runner and rugby player and I can’t wait to get some advice and training from Rory on how to improve my running techniques and skills for this epic event.”

He added: “Being able to spread the word about Reuben’s Retreat and the phenomenal work of the charity is also a real driver for me.”

Edwards said: “I’m so excited to have won a place on this epic ultra-marathon; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of before. I head to either the Lake District, Peak District or Yorkshire most weekend as I just love being outside, so this was the perfect challenge for me.

“I can’t wait to take part in the Race to the Stones this summer and to fundraise for Reuben’s Retreat which is such a brilliant cause.”

Rowe added: “Louie and Olivia are both great additions to our team and I am so proud of them for putting themselves forward as this is not an easy undertaking.

“They are both dynamic people with a history of challenging themselves to give something back to those in need. Both of their entries showed their dedication to both teamwork and the common goals of the travel industry to support others.”