The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events. The Virgin Money London Marathon, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, and raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019 alone. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help our fundraising and save the UK’s charities.
The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, will launch on Sunday 26 April 2020 – what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon. The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age and ability – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.
FirstLight Trust needs your help, as supporting UK veterans of the emergency services and armed forces has become vital now more than ever. Issues with housing, money and mental health are going to be widespread amongst emergency service personnel following the crisis. By donating or fundraising for FirstLight Trust in the 2.6 Challenge you can help them raise vital funds and enable them to help more veterans at this difficult time.
“This is a fantastic initiative bringing people together at a time when it’s needed the most,” says the charity’s founder, Dorinda Wolfe Murray. “We’re looking forward to seeing all of the creative activities people come up with!”
FirstLight is asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and start fundraising or donating now via their Virgin Money Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/createFundraisingPage?charityId=1012795&eventId=35005 or JustGiving page: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=248397
If you’re in need of ideas for your activity, please visit FirstLight Trust’s website: https://www.firstlighttrust.co.uk/get-involved-3/2-6-challenge/
Notes to Editors
FirstLight Trust works with veterans across the UK and has cafe hubs in Gosport, Hawick, Hereford, Lancaster, Redcar and Scarborough. More details are available at www.firstlighttrust.co.uk
The 2.6 Challenge launches on Sunday 26th April and will continue for about one week.
For more information about the 2.6 Challenge campaign or a high-resolution 2.3MB version of the attached image, please email Dorinda Wolfe Murray at dwm@firstlighttrust.co.uk or call 0207 730 7545.
