A leading water quality engineering firm has taken part in a nationwide sponsored walk to help improve access to clean and safe water in some of the world’s poorest communities.

A team of eight walkers consisting of staff and family and friends from Scottish Borders-based firm Panton McLeod took part in the Coast Along 2010 to raise money for international charity Water Aid. 

The charity event saw the team successfully complete an 11 mile walk across the Northumbria coast from Seahouses to Belford within four hours. They joined 145 other teams across the country – including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown who walked a section with his family in his constituency in Fife and Strictly Come Dancing contestant and former Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker – who each walked a different section of the UK’s coast to raise money for Water Aid.

By completing the journey, Panton McLeod was able to raise £500 for the charity, which will be used to provide clean water for people in some of the world’s most deprived areas.

Panton McLeod’s Sales and Marketing executive Niall Armstrong organised Panton McLeod’s involvement and was one of the team that took part in the walk, alongside colleagues including the firm’s Operations Director Paul Henderson, Administration Assistant Louise Halliday and five of their family and friends.

Water charity walk

Niall said: “We had a fantastic day on the walk and are all extremely delighted that we were able to contribute to this worthwhile course.

“Panton McLeod is always looking for ways in which it can support charities in the water sector and when I was asked to organise a summer social event, Coast Along seemed like an ideal event to take part in.”

Water Aid is a leading independent organisation that uses practical, sustainable solutions to enable the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in countries across the world.

The charity’s first Coast Along event took place four years ago in 2005 and since then the events have been a huge success. The 2010 walk saw over 750 people taking part across England, Scotland and Wales this year – the largest number to date.

Lucie Martin regional Development Assistant for South West and Wales Water Aid said: “We are delighted that Panton McLeod got a team together for Coast Along for WaterAid.

PR in Scotland for water experts

“The event has grown geographically this year enjoying major support from the UK water industry and its associated contractors and suppliers who identify strongly with the aims of our work, alleviating poverty around the world by helping communities gain access to a sustainable and safe water supply and sanitation facilities.

“Not only do the teams taking part raise money for our life-changing work they also help to build a stronger awareness of the issues. We hope they also enjoy getting out to celebrate the beautiful British coast line with colleagues, friends and family.

“Panton McLeod walked a stretch of coast path in the North East and we hope that their effort will help us gain new support from companies based there. We want to thank the firm for taking part and hope that they will return again next year.”

More information about Coast Along for Water Aid can be found at www.coastalongforwateraid.org.uk or at www.wateraid.org.uk.

Panton McLeod are the UK’s leading water quality engineering firm, working with water companies on the inspection, cleaning and repair of drinking water structures and pipelines. More information can be found at www.pantonmcleod.co.uk.