UNOX leads sector-wide support for ambitious 6 Nations+ Plus endurance event across Scotland

The UK and Ireland commercial catering and foodservice equipment industry is uniting behind the 6 Nations+ Plus Challenge 2026, an ambitious charity endurance event in aid of Maggie’s Centres that is now closing in on £20,000 raised, with a £25,000 target firmly in sight.

Taking place on Friday 5 June 2026, the challenge will see participants take on three demanding stages across Scotland in a single day: The Kelpies Experience, a canoe crossing on Loch Lomond, and the summit trek to The Cobbler in the Arrochar Alps.

Under the banner:

6 Nations+ Plus. One Challenge. No Excuses.

the event has attracted support from across the commercial catering and foodservice equipment sector, with manufacturers, distributors, consultants, service companies and trade bodies all backing the initiative.

Founding sponsor UNOX UK is joined by stage sponsors Smeg Professional, Blue Seal UK and Hupfer UK.

Supporting sponsors and partners include Falcon Foodservice Equipment, Keith Elkington Transport Limited, Jestic Foodservice Solutions, West Cove Catering Repairs, Fresh Maintenance Limited, Kit4Kitchens, Pentland Wholesale and Equipro-Fire & EPAS Limited, alongside industry organisations including ceda, FEA, FCSI UK & Ireland and Cedabond.

Steve McGarvie, Managing Director of UNOX UK, said:

“UNOX UK is proud to be the major and founding sponsor of the 6 Nations+ Plus Challenge. This is a brilliant example of what our industry can do when it comes together for a cause that matters. Maggie’s Centres do outstanding work supporting people and families affected by cancer, and we’re proud to support the team behind this challenge.”

The event is being organised by the 6 Nations+ Plus Community Association, chaired by James Connolly of Celltherm Coldrooms, alongside Treasurer Greg Archer MBE, Managing Director of Contiquip, and Secretary Duncan Hepburn of Hepburn Design Associates.

Among those taking part are industry professionals directly affected by cancer, including participants fundraising in memory of loved ones, alongside singer-songwriter and cancer survivor Roisin McCarney, a passionate supporter of Maggie’s Centres.

James Connolly, Chair of the 6 Nations+ Plus Community Association, said:

“This started as a mad idea between industry friends and has grown into something far bigger. The response from across the sector has been incredible. Competitors, suppliers, consultants and customers are all standing side by side behind Maggie’s Centres, and that says a lot about our industry.”

The challenge was recently featured on the Kitchen Curiosity podcast hosted by foodservice consultant Radford Chancellor, helping bring the story to a wider industry audience.

Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends, through a network of 25 centres located alongside NHS hospitals across the UK.

The organisers are continuing to welcome sponsors, supporters and donations from across the industry.

Donations can be made via:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/6nationspluschallenge

More information:
www.6nationspluschallenge.co.uk
www.6nationspluskelpiesexperience.co.uk