Martin House joins 2.6 run challenge

Supporters of Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People are being called on to join in a national fundraising campaign to mark what would have been the 40th London Marathon on Sunday.
By Janet Harrison
Published 21st Apr 2020, 11:40 BST

The 2.6 Challenge has been created by organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country to help raise funds for charities hit by the coronavirus lockdown.

It asks people to come up with an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 – from running 2.6 miles to hula hooping 26 times – as long as it complies with government guidelines.

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Beckie Wynne, director of income generation for Boston Spa-based Martin House, said: “The London Marathon is just one of the many mass participation events our supporters were taking part in this year which have been either cancelled or postponed.

“The 2.6 Challenge is an easy way for people to have some fun and get moving, while raising money for Martin House.”

Martin House, which cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions across West, North and East Yorkshire, has been hit hard by the lockdown, which has seen all its fundraising stop and its 12 charity shops close.

While it is receiving a share of £200 million earmarked by government to support hospices, it still faces a funding shortfall, and could lose £1.7 million if the lockdown lasts for three months, as it only receives 10 per cent of its income from statutory funding.

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It had 11 runners due to take part in Sunday’s London Marathon, which has now been postponed to Sunday October 4.

Find out more by emailing: [email protected]

Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group and CEO of Human Race, 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 stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26-minute exercise class.

“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.”

People can sign up to the 2.6 Challenge for Martin House by going to https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=181879 For more information about Martin House, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.

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