The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events.
The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019.
Action Duchenne calls on supporters to join ‘The 2.6 Challenge’
Action Duchenne, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events due to COVID-19.
In response, 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.
About the 2.6 Challenge
The 2.6 Challenge will launch on Sunday 26 April for will last for a week. It’s open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.
From Sunday 26 April 2020, we are asking you to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by donating on the Action Duchenne 2.6 Challenge donation page.
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Note to editors
About Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic muscle-wasting disease. The progressive condition is usually diagnosed in early childhood and mainly affects boys. In the UK, approximately 100 cases are diagnosed each year, and there are approximately 2,500 people living with the condition at any time.
People living with Duchenne experience progressive muscle weakness and typically need to use a powered wheelchair from their early teens. The heart and breathing muscles are affected and most will require a ventilator and 24 hour care in their twenties; life expectancy is around 30 years in the UK. There is no cure and treatment options are limited.
Duchenne can occur unexpectedly in any family with a third of cases occurring in families with no previous history of the condition.
About Action Duchenne
Formed in 2001, Action Duchenne was the first national charity dedicated to supporting those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our work to date has seen over £10m invested in ground-breaking research, educational programmes and campaigns and we have made some incredible achievements.
We have a clear vision: a world where lives are no longer limited by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
We are working to deliver the vision through our three core objectives:
- Developing effective treatments for all by funding research, educating clinicians and researchers, supporting clinical trials and campaigning for access.
- Building a community by uniting families, educating about Duchenne and raising the profile of the condition to a wider audience.
- Striving for a more inclusive society by promoting the importance of human equality, day-to-day acceptance of disability and accessibility for those with Duchenne.
About the 2.6 organisers
The mass-participation events organisers behind The 2.6 Challenge are: Human Race, parkrun, The Great Run Company, Run 4 Wales, Grounded Events, London Landmarks, Virgin Sport, Limelight Sports, Threshold Sports, Running High and London Marathon Events.
The design and website has been created by Studio Republic and the social media campaign by LiveWire Sport. Both agencies are working pro bono.
The campaign is supported by the Charities Aid Foundation, the Institute of Fundraising, the Small Charities Coalition, the Office for Civil Society, Sport England, Let’s Do This, Virgin Money Giving and JustGiving.
For more information on The 2.6 Challenge, visit their website.
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