THERE will be “gold” on the pavements of Athol Street next week when businesses and the public are invited to take part in ‘The Big Coin Challenge’ to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association Isle of Man (MNDA).

The event is being promoted by KPMG next Friday, September 30, with the challenge of creating a trail of coins which is long enough to stretch down Athol Street and back again. At the end of the day, the coins will be collected and donated to the charity.

Although KPMG will start the trail, they are asking for the support of other businesses on Athol Street and members of the public to help them complete this mammoth task.

Many businesses have already agreed to participate, including local investment managers and stock-brokers Ramsey Crookall. Fedelta Pensions and Fedelta Trust will also be making a group donation of £100 in £1 coins on the pavement outside their offices.

Anyone who can spare a few coins to add to the chain is encouraged to take part and their donations will be gratefully welcomed. If anyone would like to make a donation in advance of the event, they can be given in to the KPMG office on Athol Street any time between now and next Friday.

Sinead O’Connor, senior manager at KPMG, said, “We know that a lot of people end up with big jars of pennies at homes and in their staff rooms, and this is a great opportunity to put them to good use.

“Although each person will only be making a small contribution, the combined total will make a real difference to charity. We would love to get as many people involved in the challenge as possible, because we hope to raise a lot for this very worthwhile cause.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to everyone who has helped to make this event possible, and who will be supporting us on the day.”

KPMG hopes to successfully complete the challenge and bring the total raised for MNDA so far this year to over £5,500.