The 2.6 Challenge: Thank you

The 2.6 Challenge

At the end of April, we joined other charities across the nation in the 2.6 Challenge – a fundraising campaign intended to make up some of the shortfalls for charities missing out on funding from mass participation sports events and hit hard by the impact of COVID-19.

The 2.6 Challenge encouraged supporters to do a challenge based around the number 26 (the London Marathon was supposed to be on April 26th this year) – whether that’s running 2.6 miles, doing 26 squats, or baking 26 treats for family and friends.

Superstar fundraisers 

We were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm with which supporters got involved (and are still involved!) with the challenge. Our supporters have included:

• A star jumping champion, who did 26 starjumps in 2.6 minutes
• A four-year-old cycling sensation, who cycled 26 miles over a week
• A family of bakers who have each baked a different dish
• A stellar team of colleagues who are running, walking, skating and cycling 26 miles and doing 26 days of different exercises!

Pictured: some of our 2.6 Challenge participants and their challenges! 

Still time to get involved with the 2.6 Challenge! 

If you’d like to get involved with you own 2.6 Challenge, click here for more information, to get inspiration from our current supporters and to set up your fundraising page.

Every year, we provide a safe home for around 1,400 vulnerable young people locally. As a result of Covid-19, YMCA DownsLink Group has seen a dramatic increase in young people needing our support. Many have existing underlying mental health issues, are living in difficult/abusive family situations or have lost employment/income due to the crisis. Homelessness has always been an issue in our area, but coronavirus has exacerbated that for young people.

The money you raise will go towards supporting young people through this pandemic and beyond.

Click here to find out more and donate. 

Don’t forget to share pictures or video of your challenge on social media so we can applaud you! Use the hashtag #TwoPointSixChallenge and tag in @YMCADLG.