SAVE THE UK'S CHARITIES - Hull and East Yorkshire Mind calls on supporters to join The 2.6 Challenge

Local mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind are encouraging local people in Hull and East Yorkshire to take part in The 2.6 Challenge – a new initiative to support UK charities during these unprecedented times.

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 alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019.

Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to COVID-19.

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 challenge will last for a week and is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.

From Sunday 26 April 2020, we are asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you. You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes. You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26 minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26 minute workout – anything you like. We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help save local charities.

Marie-Louise Robinson, Community Fundraiser at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind said

“The 2.6 challenge is an amazing way to support a local charity like Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. We support over 5000 per year with their mental health, but we know that there are many more out that there that need our help – particularly in the current situation. This challenge is a brilliant way to get active, have some fun with friends and family members and also create a long lasting impact on a local charity close to your heart.”

You can donate to Hull and East Yorkshire Mind via Just Giving, Virgin Money Giving or by visiting twopointsixchallenge.co.uk and selecting them as your chosen charity.

For more information on The 2.6 Challenge visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk