The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events.

The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019. As it 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.

RDA’s 500 groups around the UK have all had to close, with a devastating impact on their income and fundraising ability. RDA has set up an emergency appeal to support the groups in most need, and the charity hopes that the 2.6 challenge will boost this fund.

From Sunday 26 April 2020, the challenge is to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by donating on the RDA JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/rdacovid19

Taking up the 2.6 Challenge can be something as simple as walking or running 2.6 miles, 2.6 kms – or 26 press-ups, 26 minutes walking round the garden. It can be a sponsored activity, or a donation – £2.60 or £26 – whatever is affordable – it all adds up and will make a huge difference.

The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, will launch on Sunday 26 April 2020 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon – and will last for a week. 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 and remember to stay local.

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..”

For more information on The 2.6 Challenge, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk