The start of the #TwoPointSixChallenge on Sunday raised several millions of pounds, as home heroes across the nation joined the rallying call to support charitable causes during the current lockdown restrictions.
With thousands of fundraising events across the UK cancelled due to Covid-19, that has meant income for many charities has been heavily impacted. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country came together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help save the UK’s charities.
Launching on Sunday 26 April (what should have been the date of the 40th edition of the London Marathon), the British public were encouraged to undertake an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to a charity of choice.
Olympians Unite
10km Marathon Swimming Silver medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Keri-anne Payne organised a star studded line-up for the #26OlympiansChallenge, with a combined 13 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals at Olympic Games stretching from Montreal 1976 all the way to Rio 2016. Each of those stars led a section of the 26 minute workout.
Exercises featured from Tom Daley, Grace Reid, Becky Adlington and David Carry, as each took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the charities close to their hearts.
Para Power
Both up and coming and established Para-Swimming stars set about a variety of challenges throughout Sunday, with World Champions Tully Kearney, Alice Tai, Toni Shaw, Maisie Summers-Newton and Louise Fiddes all tasking themselves to a variety of challenges in their own back yard, including a 26 minute bungee cord swim, a 2.6km row and 26 different '26 themed' activities.
Elsewhere World Class Performance Programme and Academy athletes; Ellie Challis, George Kelman-Johns and Luke Batty were putting in efforts through back flipping, running and cycling, with Meghan Willis joining Toni Shaw and Paralympic swimmer turned triathlete, Claire Cashmore, in a 26 different '26 themed' activities challenge.
Open to all!
Whilst we've highlighted just a few of our aquatics stars that got involved (check out our twitter feed and Instagram highlights for more) - the 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age, and is is a simple and fun way for everyone to do their bit to help save the UK’s charities.
Visit the website twopointsixchallenge.co.uk to find out more.