FANCY dress laps around the garden, juggling for 2.6 minutes or holding a zoom event amongst 26 friends are just some of the ways charities are asking people to help support them today.

Prior to the lockdown, the London Marathon had been set to be the most significant fundraiser of the year for many smaller charities. The event, which brought in more than £66.4 million in 2019, is now set to take place on October 4, but the format has not yet been decided and it could end up being a race solely for the elite athletes.

As a way to help the thousands of charities who would have benefitted from today’s marathon, organsiers invented the ’2.6 Challenge’. The lockdown event aims to replace some of the fundraising lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the idea is simple – come up with an activity based around the numbers 26 – or 2.6 – and complete it today, asking friends and family to join in or to donate.

Amongst those taking up the challenge is iSightCornwall – the county’s oldest founded charity and one that relies heavily on donations from supporters.

’This time of year usually sees the start of a large amount of events or activities being  held in aid of iSightCornwall, ranging from runs and cycles to cake sales. Understandably, these  cannot occur during social distancing,’ a spokesperson said.

’As the Virgin Money London Marathon cannot take place as planned, its organisers have created  the 2.6 challenge, which is easy for anyone to join in and make a difference, especially for smaller   charities.  

’Examples include running 2.6 (or 26!) miles, walking 26 laps around your garden, or even  listening to 26 podcasts! 

iSightCornwall Chief Executive, Carole Theobald, will be taking on her own challenge, trying to  catch 26 items in a fundraising bucket whilst blindfolded.  Carole said: ’I’ve created the Trash Catch challenge and on Sunday at 11am I will be blindfolded and  trying to catch used teabags, banana skins and other items. Another member of the iSightCornwall  team is attempting 26 yoga poses throughout the week for her challenge. 

’We hope our supporters can join us for the 2.6 challenge. It’s a fun way of helping to save UK  charities and protect the future of iSightCornwall, please do join in!’

Hugh Brasher, event director of London Marathon Events, said: ?’For many of  the UK’s charities, the day of the London Marathon is the biggest fundraising day of the year. One of  the founding pillars of the London Marathon was ‘to show how the family of mankind can be united’.

’We hope that The 2.6 Challenge, which starts on the day our 40?th? Race should have taken place,  will embody that spirit and inspire people, families and communities to fundraise for their chosen  charity. Right now, our vulnerable members of society need the help  of charities more than ever before.’

Are you taking part in the 2.6 Challenge today? Let us know by sending your photo and fundraising total to [email protected]