With many fundraising events recently being postponed, whilst we are all still hopeful some will go ahead at a later date, charities across the country have been left struggling to maintain their services, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top 25 mass participation sports events in the UK raise more than £150 million for charities every year, and with fundraising events up and down the country delayed or postponed, charities are facing uncertainty. Families being supported by Sullivan’s Heroes have been affected with building projects now on hold and events to raise vital funds cancelled. It’s never been more important to come together and show how much we care.

The UK’s mass participation event industry has therefore joined forces to create The 2.6 Challenge – a nationwide fundraising campaign launched in response to COVID-19 to help Save the UK’s Charities.

The organisations behind Britain’s biggest mass participation events, including 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, are all involved in their campaign to Save the UK’s Charities.

There’s no need to be a marathon runner to take part – this is a challenge for all ages and abilities. Just get thinking of an activity based around the numbers 26 or 2.6 and complete it on or from Sunday April 26th. 

Whether you're running around the balcony for 2.6 miles, doing 26 press ups with the dog on your back or bench pressing 26 kilos with your grandchildren, we want your help to save the UK's charities.

It could be something as simple as running 2.6 miles, 26 minutes of yoga, or juggling for 26 minutes – or on second thoughts, maybe just 2.6 minutes! 

And don’t worry if you’re not able to get out of your house or flat for now. We’re not looking for superheroes – we’re looking for Home Heroes to support Sullivan’s Heroes!

You can help inspire the nation by sharing pictures or videos of your challenge on social media using the official hashtag #TwoPointSixChallenge to be part of the campaign.

There are no rules (apart from the Government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time). Whatever you can do, you can be part of it – the main thing is getting active, having fun and donating whatever you can to support Sullivan’s Heroes.