In 2020, with the cancellation of the London Marathon due to the pandemic, ‘The 2.6 Challenge’ was launched to help raise funds for charities. A then six-year-old Fern MacDonald decided that she wanted to do something to help ‘her Grandpa’s Shed’ (or ‘Bromsgrove Men In Sheds’ as it is known to others) and decided to cycle 26km to help raise funds to help ensure that the Shed could continue.

Three years later Fern, along with her younger brother Rory, have decided to ‘go bigger’ and embark upon their own ‘Mac-a-thon’ challenge for Grandpa’s Shed/ Bromsgrove Men In Sheds.

Age UK BRWF's Bromsgrove Men In Sheds really is a fantastic initiative. The concept originates from an Australian project started in the 1990s, called Men's Sheds, as a way of preventing and tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact. The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of ‘social connections’ and a ‘sense of belonging’ - groups like Bromsgrove Men In Sheds have never been needed more.

As part of the ‘Mac-a-thon’, this September:

• Fern (who has just learnt to swim) will swim 10 lengths

• Rory is planning to cycle 22.5km

• Mum (Emily) will complete the Scottish half marathon on 24th September

All will be supported and coached by Daddy Macdonald!

When asked why they wanted to take part in this latest challenge, this is what Rory and Emily said,

To find out more about the Shed and the difference that it makes please watch this short video (which features Fern’s and Rory’s Grandpa) or follow this link to our website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/men-in-sheds/

#GoTeamMacdonald!