New challenge to save UK charities

Organisers of the UK's major mass-participation events - including the London Marathon - have launched a campaign to help charities plug an expected £4bn income shortfall.

The 2.6 Challenge aims to get the public to come up with activities to compensate for the cancellation of events because of coronavirus.

It will launch on Sunday 26 April, the original date for the London Marathon after the date was postponed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

With so many mass-participation events called off - and many of those intending to take part doing so for charity - there are concerns about the knock-on effect that will have.

The London Marathon - the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event - itself generated £66.4m for charities in 2019.

The Macular Society is proud to be a part of the 2.6 challenge, which hopes to inspire people to create their own athletic activities based around the numbers 2.6 or 26, which trigger donations from themselves or others.

Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group (MSO), said: “The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you. 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.”

If you are interested in taking part in the challenge for the Macular Society please nominate us as your chosen charity, or ensure you use our dedicated link: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=71683