Dorset Mind asks their supporters to join The 2.6 Challenge from Sunday 26th April
Dorset Mind, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to Covid-19.
In response, the organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help our fundraising and save the UK’s charities.
The 2.6 Challenge campaign will launch on Sunday 26th April – on what should have been the date of the 40th edition of the London Marathon, the world’s largest one-day annual fundraising event. It raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019.
From Sunday 26th April, Dorset Mind is asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by creating a 2.6 Challenge fundraising page or donating to Dorset Mind via Virgin Money Giving: twopointsixchallenge.co.uk
The 2.6 Challenge is completely inclusive – it’s open to anyone of any age and ability – 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 could 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. 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.”
“We’re very excited to be involved in this epic national campaign,” said Marianne Storey, Chief Executive of Dorset Mind. “Community fundraising is a major contributor towards our core operating costs – and it has been hit hard. We had two people set to run for us this year in the London Marathon, raising us vital funds. So, we’re delighted that the organisers have created an alternative fundraiser that everyone can take part in at home.
Dorset Mind is passionate about supporting local people with their mental health; and the inclusive nature of The 2.6 Challenge means that everyone – whatever age or ability – can take part. The 2.6 Challenge is set to bring the nation together with a shared purpose. It will be monumental.
Not only that, the link between exercise and mental health is well documented. ‘Getting active’ is one of the proven steps of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ model that we use to help empower people to look after their mental health.
‘Connecting’ is another of the ‘Five Ways’ and by connecting with our communities through initiatives like The 2.6 Challenge, we will undoubtedly strengthen them as we rebuild our lives from the effects of the viral outbreak.”
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
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