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Midsummer Energy runs 1,900 miles in one month for RePower Ukraine

Midsummer Energy’s team has successfully completed a month-long challenge to collectively run 1,900 miles—the equivalent of the distance from their Cambridge head office to Slobozhanske Hospital in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine.

Members of the fundraising team

Not only did the team hit their goal, but they finished two days ahead of schedule.

Employees from the Cambridge and Glasgow branches ran tirelessly throughout October, contributing miles through lunchtime jogs, evening runs, and even weekend marathons.

John Norman, head of marketing, reflected on the team’s achievement: “The sheer scale of the challenge started to dawn on us in the second week but some favourable autumn weather kept our team on the road.

“We have a couple of marathon runners but the majority are evening joggers or Parkrun weekenders. With four days remaining we were tantalisingly close until one of our lunchtime runners powered home with a 5 mile run, tipping the total to 1,903 miles.”

Renewable energy for critical care in Ukraine

This challenge was part of Midsummer Energy’s efforts to support Slobozhanske Hospital, in partnership with Photon Energy. Together, they are funding a 36.5kW solar PV and battery storage system to provide reliable electricity to ICUs, maternity units, and monitoring equipment during power cuts.

Midsummer and Photon Energy have already donated and shipped PV modules, inverters, and battery storage to the hospital.

The funds raised will support the purchase of additional equipment, sourced locally from Ukrainian suppliers, including mounting systems, cabling, and isolators. Installation will also be carried out by local Ukrainian professionals.

By implementing relatively small PV systems with 30-40kWh of battery storage, the initiative ensures critical care facilities have uninterrupted power when grid electricity is unavailable.

Support the challenge

The team continues to raise funds for this important project. Donations can help provide vital infrastructure for the hospital and make a lasting impact on the community. If you’re able to help support the challenge with a donation, click here.

Image: Midsummer