The Covid-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on UK charities leading to an estimated loss of £4 billion for the sector. Charities depend on income from fundraising events and thousands have been cancelled or postponed including Rough Runner, Camping and Easter activities at Thomley. For many charities, 26 April would have been the biggest fundraising day of the year thanks to the London Marathon, the worlds biggest one day fundraising event which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019.

In response, the UKs mass participation sports event industry has come together to create The 2.6 Challenge, a nationwide fundraising campaign to Save the UKs Charities. We are inviting the public to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to their chosen charity to help Save the UKs Charities. It would be wonderful to have your support.

How can you help?

Dream up an activity based around the number 2.6 or 26 that suits your skills (and follows government guidelines on exercise and social distancing); it can be as crazy as you like!

Film a video of you in portrait format talking about/demonstrating your chosen challenge and send it to us on Facebook messenger or enquiries@thomley.org.uk

Let us know by contacting us if you would be willing to do media interviews relating to taking part in The 2.6 Challenge.

We will be back in touch next week with more information about sharing your challenge on your social media channels. Follow our Facebook event page where we will put all of the challenges on Sunday 26th April here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1077038255999556/

Please find more information about The 2.6 Challenge on the website: https://www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk/

There is incredible support building for this campaign including from UK government, Sport England, BBC, Institute of Fundraising, Virgin Money Giving and JustGiving.

Please join us as we aim to raise £67 million for the UKs charities by the end of April if 2.6 million people fundraise or donate £26, well get there!

Thank you for helping to Save the UKs Charities, including Thomley.