Property company Buccleuch Property is raising much needed funds for Edinburgh-based mental health charity Projekt 42 through its annual Buccleuch Property Challenge event.

Taking place on Friday September 7 at Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, the Challenge is a six-hour non-stop adventure race, which sees around 75 teams from across the property industry compete to raise money for charity.

Providing the ultimate team-building day out, the Challenge invites teams of three to compete in a range of outdoor pursuits, from running, to mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering. There’s also a range of surprise tasks on the day to keep participants on their toes, with previous events including zorbing and sumo wrestling.

A test of fitness, stamina and mental capacity, the Challenge has raised over £115,000 for charity since its inception in 2006.

This year will see Projekt 42, a social enterprise aiming to tackle poor mental health through an innovative programme of health, wellbeing and fitness services, benefit from money raised through the sporting event to create a new gym in Edinburgh.

To date over 2,097 people have benefited from the pilot scheme in the charity’s temporary unit in New Kirkgate, Leith, with over 370 members currently being supported by the programme. Building on this success, Projekt 42 is currently working towards opening a purpose-built community gym and wellness centre on Halmyre Street later this year, to help even more people across Scotland’s capital city.

David Peck, managing director at Buccleuch Property, said: “The Buccleuch Property Challenge is an exciting and memorable way to get property professionals from across the UK together and raise money for charity, and we’re delighted to be partnering Projekt 42 this year.

“Projekt 42 has helped a huge number of people across Edinburgh already through its pilot, and with poor mental health something which affects so many people, the vital work they do has the capacity to make a massive impact across the capital and further afield.

“This year’s we’re aiming to raise at least £10,000 for Projekt 42, and I can’t wait to see the difference this makes for the charity and their new centre in Halmyre Street.”

Sara Hawkins, founder of Projekt 42, said: “Different from conventional gyms we don’t just encourage people to get fit, instead we’ve created a safe environment which allows participants from all different backgrounds to come together, get moving, spark conversations they wouldn’t usually have, and break down barriers about the mental battles which are often kept secret.

“At Projekt 42 we encourage people to work together and help each other, which is why I’m so excited we’re the chosen charity for the Challenge. Not only does the Challenge test participants, but the key to successfully completing the course is teamwork and learning how to make the most of everyone’s individual strengths.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in September alongside the rest of the Projekt 42 team and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who is raising money for us through the Challenge.”

Previous charity partners include Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Ovarian Cancer, Childline and It’s Good 2 Give.

For more information on the Buccleuch Property Challenge, or to submit your team, visit www.buccleuchproperty.com.