We've been hugely impacted by the postponement of a large number of fundraising events due to the coronavirus, including our flagship WALK IT series, which is having a significant impact on our income.
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 -what should have been the date of the 40th edition of the London Marathon, which we know many of you were training hard for.
From Sunday 26 April, we're asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by creating a 2.6 Challenge fundraising page, or donate to our JustGiving page.
The 2.6 Challenge is open to all of you -our amazing supporters -the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.
We've been so inspired by the amazing response we've seen from the Crohn's and Colitis community in helping us during this tough time, whether that's a positive comment on our social media, a donation to our urgent appeal or getting friends and family involved in a virtual event. Everything you do helps us continue to be there for anyone affected by the conditions. We're really impressed by the creative fundraising ideas you've come up with so far, so we know your imagination, commitment and determination will impress us even more in The 2.6 Challenge. Thank you for your fantastic support!
Claire Walsh
Director of Income Generation, Crohn's & Colitis UK
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 the UK's Charities by giving money or raising funds for the charity close to your heart.
Nick Rusling
Co-Chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group (MSO)