Bob Keiller

In Nov 2009 30 blind, partially sighted and disabled employees of Glencraft, faced a bleak future when their business was closed, forcing them into unemployment. After 160 years of trading - making beds and mattresses - Glencraft closed with all staff left facing an uncertain future. Their plight didn't go unnoticed by Bob Keiller, who saw the potential of Glencraft to become a successful and sustainable business. Along with Duncan Skinner from Wood Group PSN, he spearheaded a company campaign to get Glencraft reopened, offering his business knowledge, industry contacts and fundraising expertise to help breathe new life into the Aberdeen based charity and change the livelihoods of the former Glencraft employees. Bob's involvement didn't stop there. Determined to help change the lives of the people he had now come to know and care for Bob agreed to one of the biggest challenges yet; run the London marathon, while creating WGPSN and completing one of the biggest company to company deals in Scotland to date. With neither time nor fitness on his side the challenge he faced was no mean feat. Bob stole moments to train before work packed his trainers for impromptu runs on business trips and saved his weekends for the all important endurance runs- supported by friends and family alike. On 17th April, Bob completed the Marathon and personally raised a staggering £90,000 for Glencraft. Today Glencraft has re-opened its doors, employees are back at work with a bright future ahead.