Like many charities across the UK, Haven House has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of hundreds of fundraising events due to COVID-19.

In response to the current crisis that charities are facing, 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.

All you need to do is dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 that suits your skills and complete your challenge on or from Sunday 26 April - what should have been the date of the London Marathon. But there's no need to be a runner to take part - this is a challenge for all ages and abilities! 

Sophie Bragg, Haven House’s Events Fundraising Manager said: “The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you. The only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.  

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 and have fun while raising money for their local children’s hospice.

 

Haven House has already seen a fantastic response to the challenge with supporters pulling out all the stops and getting creative with their 2.6 fundraising ideas. 

Six-year-old Luca Noto has compiled a long list of 26 activities he will complete. The list includes baking 26 cupcakes, a 26-minute silence, scoring 26 penalties, 26 squats, 26 sit-ups, a 2.6km run, 26 laps of his garden and finishing with a massive 26km bike ride. The youngster was inspired by his mum who works at the hospice. He is on his way to raising an incredible £1,000 for the charity.  

Seven local families and have rallied together to support the hospice. Each household has come up with their own take on the challenge whilst trying to raise funds for Haven House. The team named the ‘Super Seven’ will take on the ultimate football crossbar challenge by attempting 26 balls on target, a 2.6 mile cycle, a 2.6 mile run and scoot-along, a live yoga zoom of 26 sun salutations, a mini triathlon, a slam dunking 26 baskets and finally 26 ballet moves. 

Sophie added: “With events postponed and our shops currently closed, the conventional ways of fundraising have had to be put on hold, however this hasn’t stopped our supporters, who have come up with clever and fun ways to support their local children’s hospice. 

Right now, vulnerable members of our community need the help of Haven House more than ever before. We hope that The 2.6 Challenge will unite and inspire people, families and communities to fundraise for Haven House.

To get involved and take on the challenge, sign up now.