As part of the 2.6 challenge I rowed 2.6 marathons in 2.6 days in my living room.

Marathon 1 (22nd May) - 2:58:49

Marathon 2 (23rd May) - 2:57:21

15.73 miles (24th May) - 1:43:47

It's not too late to donate, and it would be wonderful if we could reach our target of £5,000.

Having never rowed more than 16 km before setting myself the challenge, I was particularly worried about getting through the second marathon on Day 2, but hearing the encouragement of 100 friends and contacts, who participated in an online sports quiz we organised during the row, gave me a massive boost, to the extent that I was able to go quicker on Day 2 than I had the previous day.

The fact that I completed 2.6 marathons over the course of a long weekend is still sinking in. While my body is tired and my right knee swollen and sore, my state of mind is significantly more positive and I am determined to carry the lessons I learned during the challenge forward into everyday life.

That the 'event' brought old friends together also leaves me with a huge sense of satisfaction - I know of two housemates from university who stayed online to chat for an hour, having not had any contact for 10 years.

I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to everybody who supported me through the challenge. Your kindness and generosity really helped me to push through the pain.

In summary, it's been a blast! While the human body is a wonderful thing, the human spirit is greater still.

I took on the 2.6 challenge to raise funds for two charities that I have supported over the past few years; 'Coram's Fields' and 'SportsAid'.

Founded on the site of the former Foundling Hospital in South Camden, ‘Coram’s Fields’ is a unique children’s charity that provides a safe haven for children to play and learn. It provides a range of recreational and educational resources to thousands of children and their families, many of whom reside in one of the most socially deprived areas of the country. Due to the nature of their fundraising, Coram’s Fields has been hit particularly hard during lockdown and is fighting hard to survive.

‘SportsAid’ helps promising young British athletes to achieve their potential by providing them with financial support, recognition and personal development opportunities during the critical early stages of their careers when they are often relying on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’.

While they have an impressive track record of success, SportsAid is a small charity and relies heavily on the funds it receives from the London Marathon every year.

I know you will have been asked to donate to many different causes
over the past few weeks, but I hope you’ll be able to spare just a little bit more for two worthwhile causes.