What's YOUR 2.6 challenge?

Sunday 26 April 2020

From running 2.6km to 26 minutes of yoga or wearing 26 outfits in 26 minutes... Islanders have been taking part in activities involving the numbers 2 and 6 to raise money for local charities, after today's 26-mile London Marathon was cancelled.

The fundraising kicked off this week, and all activities will have to be wrapped up by the end of today (Sunday 26 April).

There are many ways to take part, from walking, running and cycling to doing 26 press-ups or joining an online exercise class for 26 minutes.

Many local charities have called on to islanders to take part and support them.

Durrell suggested islanders get creative and come up with their own ‘wild’ fundraising idea.

Reading 26 pages from Gerald Durrell’s books to friends or family or doing an online animal themed quiz with 26 questions are just two of the charity's suggestions.

They have also shared some of their supporters’ “fantastic ideas”, such as amateur artist and conservationist Abigail Leach, who will be painting an endangered species for every letter of the alphabet and giving them to people who donate.

Meanwhile, Fundraising Manager Beth Gallichan will be sharing her love of charity shops with 26 outfit changes in 26 minutes.

“This is a really difficult time for charities both big and small that are struggling to fill the void of cancelled fundraising events,” Beth said. “The 2.6 Challenge is a collaborative campaign that enables us to reach out to our supporters and invite them to have fun, be creative and help raise funds.

"This will be a national appeal with many famous faces taking part to inspire others to take part or donate.”

Cancer charity Macmillan Jersey is also asking its supporters to take part, proposing a 26-hour silence or eating 26 biscuits in 2.6 minutes.

“This is such a great campaign and something to get the whole family involved in,” Steph Gibaut, Head of Operations and Fundraising for the charity, said.

Video: Edie (4) will be running for Macmillan on Sunday.

“Like so many charities, we have adapted our services to ensure we can still provide the same quality emotional support for anyone affected by cancer in Jersey. Further to this, we have expanded our service by working with Jersey Hospice Care to ensure anyone affected by cancer and covid-19 is supported. 

“We are asking all of our amazing supporters to join us in this fun and creative challenge whilst raising the vital funds the charity needs. As a local charity, all the money we raise in Jersey, stays in Jersey.”