Pharmacist Support – the profession’s independent charity – has partnered with the International Pharmacy Federation (IPF) for their annual fun run on 4th September in Glasgow.

The 5km fun run has been a popular social event at the congress for the past seven years – an event promoting healthy lifestyle, and an alternative networking opportunity for conference delegates. For the first time, this year’s event will also raise funds for Pharmacist Support and help those in the profession facing a range of challenging situations.

Fun run organiser, Ina Donat, from Robert Gordon University, said, ‘I have run the 5k ever since its inception in 2012 (in all weathers!) alongside many nations. It’s a great way to start a congress day with lots of fun, laughter, and a little bit of exercise, and of course this year to raise money for our profession’s charity. As exciting as it is being a pharmacist, it can also be very stressful for all sorts of reasons – so it’s good to know that Pharmacist Support is only a phone call away, listening and offering support; I am supporting them because they offer a lifeline to pharmacists – and who knows, I might need them one day.’

With limited places, conference attendees are asked to register their interest in advance. A 10 Euro donation for the FIP Foundation which helps the development of programmes to advance the pharmacy profession, is required to secure a place.

All runners, joggers and walkers are being encouraged to ask friends and colleagues to sponsor their efforts. Donations can be made through the general FIP fun run Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fip-fun-run. Alternatively, participants can set up their own personal fundraising pages by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/GoGreen4PS2018.

All money raised will benefit Pharmacist Support and help fund the invaluable services that they provide to the pharmacy community.
Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, Diane Leicester-Hallam, explained, ‘We are really excited to be involved with the FIP Fun Run this year. It not only ties in with the charity’s wellbeing focus, it also kickstarts our annual fundraising campaign #GoGreen4PS.

‘We hope that all participants, spectators, and conference attendees will get involved by wearing something green, and of course donating and helping raise lots of ‘green’ cash for the charity. We would like to thank Ina and the FIP organisers for including us in this year’s event. As the profession’s charity we rely on the generosity of those in the profession to hold fundraising events, take on charity challenges, and donate to us to ensure that our services are always available and free to the thousands of people we support each year.’