The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on the charity sector, with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in fundraising income as a result. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country have come together to launch the 2.6 Challenge to help to save the UK’s charities and raise desperately needed funds.
The 2.6 Challenge will launch on Sunday, 26 April – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one-day annual fundraising event. It raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019 and the Lawscot Foundation was proud to be part of the marathon last year, with our runner raising over £2,000 to help students from less-advantaged backgrounds.
As the marathon cannot take place as planned, its organisers have created a ”lockdown-friendly event”, which is easy for anyone to join in and make a difference, especially for smaller, local charities. Every small “event” can add up to something worthwhile.
The Lawscot Foundation, like so many charities across the UK, is being impacted by the cancellation of fundraising events due to Covid-19. However, our work can’t stop. This pandemic will no doubt have a larger impact on those from less-advantaged backgrounds and we must ensure that these individuals continue to have the same opportunities as others in more fortunate positions.
Now, more than ever, we need your help! This pandemic is just another obstacle on the path of the students’ journeys, but together we can help them overcome this by providing as much support as we can.
The 2.6 Challenge launches on Sunday, 26 April and lasts for a week. It is open to anyone, of any age and is simple to take part in. All you have to do is dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to support the Lawscot Foundation at our Virgin Money Giving page.
The activity can be anything you like - from walking, running or cycling 2.6 miles, juggling for 2.6 minutes, to holding online workouts with 26 friends. Be as creative as you like! The only requirement is that you must follow Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing, and remember to stay local.
Be it 26p or £26, all donations will be gratefully received! And we fully understand and appreciate that not everyone is in a position to contribute financially to this campaign, given the economic crisis we are facing. Your support through raising awareness of the Foundation’s work and the #twopointsixchallenge is just as appreciated.
Heather McKendrick, Manager of the Lawscot Foundation, said: “This time last year, my sister Sarah was gearing up to run the London Marathon on behalf of the Lawscot Foundation. It was her dream to run the marathon, just like it is for so many others, and it’s such a shame that it has been postponed. However, this won’t stop us!
“The 2.6 Challenge is a great initiative and can be as easy or as difficult as you like. You can run or walk 2.6 miles, do 26 sit-ups or even do 26 cartwheels! The possibilities are endless. This isn’t about smashing records; this is about everyone coming together to support a great cause and showing that we won’t be defeated.
“I really hope to see so many of you take part to show your support. You are the reason the Foundation can support such inspiring students and because of you we will continue making someone’s dream a reality.”
For more information on The 2.6 Challenge, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
