AN ILMINSTER business has overshot its round-the-world fundraising challenge by more than 500 miles, landing them in the heart of Germany.

But, fortunately for potato supplier Branston, the epic effort to run walk and cycle round the planet in 80 days was only a virtual charity challenge.

Staff across Branston's three UK sites aimed to cover 24,901 miles - the distance around the equator - with Ilminster's employees and suppliers raising funds for Children's Hospice South West.

But the workers started on Saturday, August 8, and totalled 25,402 miles in 79 days.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston, said: “We’re really pleased to have not only achieved our goal early, but also to have gone that bit further.

"It’s a good job it’s a virtual voyage as we’ve overshot home by over 500 miles, putting us somewhere in Germany for the finish.

“I’d like to thank all the team and our suppliers for pulling together.

"Collectively we’ve covered over 300 miles a day, every day, for the past two and a half months and it’s been a great motivation for us all.”

More than 120 Branston employees took part in the fundraising effort.

So far, the team at Branston’s Ilminster site has raised a total of £3,620 for Children’s Hospices South West, with one cyclist covering 1,450 miles around Somerset and another walking more than 200 miles during the 80 days.

Amanda Gallagher, corporate fundraiser at Children’s Hospice South West, said: “We are so grateful to Branston for their amazing support with their virtual around the world challenge. Their fundraising will help ensure that we can continue to be here for families whenever and however they need us.”

If you’d like to donate to Children’s Hospices South West please visit, justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-south-west

Mr Truscott added: “Fundraising has been a real challenge this year, so we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us and made a contribution. Branston will be matching the fundraising total for the charity as an extra boost and we’ll be keeping the JustGiving page open for the next two weeks.”

For more information about Branston, visit www.branston.com.