Norfolk and Waveney Mind calls on supporters to join new challenge to help 'save UK's charities'
A mental health charity is calling on its supporters in West Norfolk to join a new challenge next week, which launches on the day the London Marathon was set to take place.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind says it, like many charities across the UK, has been "hugely impacted" by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to Covid-19.
And now, organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to "save the UK's charities".
The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, will launch on Sunday, April 26 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one-day annual fundraising event, which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019.
From Sunday, supporters are asked to come with an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by creating a 2.6 Challenge fundraising page or donate to Norfolk and Waveney Mind on Virgin Money Giving or Just Giving via twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
Philip Eke, CEO at Norfolk and Waveney Mind said: “We, like many charities, in the coming weeks and months, face the need to balance the welfare of our staff with those in the community who are most vulnerable and will need additional support to manage their mental health and wellbeing as a result of the COVID19 pandemic.
"Not only has the charity had to adapt the way it delivers services, information and advice during this period, we, like many other charities are planning how to manage the short, medium and long-term support needed due to the impact this pandemic will have on the people of Norfolk and Waveney mental health and wellbeing.
“Our team of staff, volunteers and trustees are working hard to support every person who needs us at this difficult time.
"We rely on income from fundraising and donations to help us to continue to deliver our much needed services, so we were delighted to be presented with the opportunity to take part in this great campaign that people of all ages and abilities can get involved in.”
The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.
“The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you,” says Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group (MSO) and CEO of Human Race.
“You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes. You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26 minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26 minute workout – anything you like.
"We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help Save the UK’s Charities by giving money or raising funds for the charity close to your heart.”
“For many of the UK’s charities, the day of the London Marathon is the biggest fundraising day of the year,” said Hugh Brasher, co-chair of MSO and Event Director of London Marathon Events.
“One of the founding pillars of the London Marathon was ‘to show how the family of mankind can be united’.
"We hope that The 2.6 Challenge, which starts on the day our 40th Race should have taken place, will embody that spirit and inspire people, families and communities to fundraise for their chosen charity to help Save the UK’s Charities.
"Right now, our vulnerable members of society need the help of charities more than ever before. We are asking everyone to create a 2.6 Challenge of their own and raise funds or pledge a donation.”
The mass-participation events organisers behind The 2.6 Challenge are: Human Race, parkrun, The Great Run Company, Run 4 Wales, Grounded Events, London Landmarks, Virgin Sport, Limelight Sports, Threshold Sports, Running High and London Marathon Events. The design and website has been created by Studio Republic and the social media campaign by LiveWire Sport. Both agencies are working pro bono.
The campaign is supported by the Charities Aid Foundation, the Institute of Fundraising, the Small Charities Coalition, the Office for Civil Society, Sport England, Let’s Do This, Virgin Money Giving and JustGiving.
For more information on The 2.6 Challenge visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk or Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s website https://www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk/news-and-events/the-2-6-challenge.
