The UK’s charities need your help
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect for charities across the UK with the cancellation of thousands of events, and the loss of billions in income.
The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019.
As it cannot take place as planned, its organisers have created a “lockdown-friendly event” for anyone to join in whatever your age and ability. Every small “event” can add up to something worthwhile and make a real difference especially to smaller charities
UHCW Charity, like so many charities across the UK, has been impacted by COVID-19. The 9000 amazing UHCW NHS Trust staff do an incredible job. Many are currently sick themselves and unable to work, or are in isolation due to their own health conditions, so remaining staff and retirees returning to the Trust are working extra hours and more shifts to take care of those you love, our patients and their families.
They hope that supporters will join the 2.6 Challenge to help all NHS Heroes and the money raised will fund Superhero Care Boxes, iPads, a Blood Gas Analyser, Schwartz Rounds, vCreate service and extra facilities to help UHCW deal with the increased demand on services, as patient numbers rise and assist with the health and well-being of NHS staff.
Head of UHCW Charity, Jo O’Sullivan said, “ Many of the events that our wonderful supporters had signed up to do, have been cancelled or postponed – the 2.6 Challenge is a great focus for everyone to show their appreciation for our amazing staff here at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire – thank you for your support”
From Sunday 26 April 2020, the challenge is to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by donating on our JustGiving page: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=185070
Taking up the 2.6 Challenge can be something as simple as walking or running 2.6 miles, 2.6 kms - or 26 press-ups, 26 minutes walking round the garden. Whether you choose to do a sponsored activity, or simply donate - £2.60 or £26 - whatever is affordable - it all adds up and will make a difference for our hospitals.
The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, will launch on Sunday 26 April 2020 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon - and will last for a week. The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.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 can 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 to help Save the UK’s Charities. Right now, our vulnerable members of society need the help of charities more than ever before..”
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
To find out how you can support UHCW Charity, please call 02476 966913 or visit www.uhcwcharity.org