The Covid-19 lockdown is tough for charities. Fundraising events have been cancelled, charity shops are closed, donations are down. But the vital work these organisations do continues, with the current health crisis providing extra challenges in caring for those who rely on their support.

I’ve been speaking to the team at The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity here in Cardiff about how they have been affected by the current crisis – and how we can support them by taking on their Noah’s Ark Step Challenge to ‘Walk the length of Wales’… at home. 

The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity relies solely on public funding to survive, but has seen a 50% drop in its income since the middle of March. It fears that with potentially months of uncertainty ahead, the situation could get far worse.

The charity supports the care of thousands of young patients at Wales’ only children’s hospital each year by funding vital medical equipment, facilities and family support services. With the coronavirus expected to peak in Wales within weeks, the Noah’s Ark Charity is currently working alongside its frontline hospital colleagues to support families and staff affected by the fallout of the pandemic.

The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity is also asking people to support its virtual fundraising event, the Noah’s Ark Step Challenge. We’re going to be taking part and would love to see more families in Cardiff and beyond also signing up, or donating to those who are.

The challenge asks people to walk the length of Wales, either on their own or with their families.

The tip to the toe of Wales is 187 miles – or 421,000 steps. When I told my children this, they thought it would be near to impossible for us to walk that distance with the current lockdown measures. However, the charity explain that a family of four stepping for just half an hour each day would do that distance together in just 19 days. One person on their own could do that in 75 days. They have also listed activities you can do at home to get your steps in. 

Wish us luck!!