Update 20 May 2020:
It’s been a month since the launch of the 2.6 Challenge, and I would like to personally thank you all for supporting us through the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we have raised £7,000 – not including the additional donation from Virgin Money London Marathon which is just incredible, thank you! For other ways to get involved head over to our fundraising pages.
Priyanka
Priyanka, our Head of Events and Development, explains what the 2.6 Challenge is and how to get involved to help save UK charities!
I know that everyone is worried about the COVID-19 pandemic – whether that’s the stresses it’s causing our NHS, our own finances or our health – I am too! But what about the UK charities struggling in this current climate? Not least cancer charities who fund vital research and support people living with cancer. I started to think about World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and what more I could do, both professionally and socially, to support the work they do in a crucial time like this.
And so, when Virgin Money London Marathon first announced they were launching the 2.6 Challenge on 26 April, a nationwide campaign to help save UK charities, I was ecstatic! Not only because this campaign could help charities get through the current COVID-19 crisis, but because it is something everyone can get involved with.
How can I take part in the challenge?
The 2.6 Challenge involves taking part in an activity on Sunday 26 April around the numbers 2 and 6 (that takes into account the guidelines on physical distancing). It could be a 2.6 minute walk, 26 press ups, or even 26 loops around the garden – the options are endless! You could even get the kids involved with activities like doing 26 star jumps, balance on one leg for 26 seconds, or my personal favourite; skipping while reciting the 26 letters in the alphabet! On top of supporting WCRF, you will also be lowering your risk of cancer by being physically active.
For more inspiration, have a look at this video to see what my colleagues and I will be doing this Sunday to support WCRF:
Once you have completed your activity, please donate £5 or more to World Cancer Research Fund using this link and encourage your friends and family to get involved too. The money raised will help us continue our work on cancer prevention and survival.
It has never been more important to come together and show how much we care. Please join me in taking part in the 2.6 Challenge this Sunday; donate to World Cancer Research Fund using this link and nominate your friends and family to take part too. You can share your challenge on social media using the hashtag #TeamCanPrevent.
Participate, Donate, Nominate.