Taking part in the 2.6 challenge.

As regular Sunshine News readers know, we’re all about spreading sunshine here at The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, and whilst the sun may have disappeared behind a cloud this week, we’re still trying to spread as much positivity across the North-East as we can.  Although we may not be able to host our usual fundraising activities and events, our hearts are warmed by the support and generosity from the people of our region, helping us to continue our charitable mission. 

Instead of watching The London Marathon coverage on TV this year, cheering on our supporters from our sofa, we instead saw the nation get behind the UK’s charities for the 2.6 challenge on Sunday 26th April. 

The Virgin Money London Marathon, which should have taken place last weekend, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities last year. 

Just like us, many of these charities have had to cancel or postpone fundraising events meaning we all lack the means to generate income at a time when vulnerable members of society need us most. The 2.6 challenge asked supporters all across the country to simply dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 that suits their skills and complete it on Sunday 26 April – when the 40th London Marathon would have taken place. This could be anything from pledging to run or ride 2.6 miles as your daily exercise, holding the plank for 2.6 minutes, completing 26 keepie ups or even gardening for 26 minutes. Our supporters only limit was their own imagination, and the government guidelines around exercise and outdoor activities of course! 

We couldn’t believe the amount of support people all over the North-East showed for us for the 2.6 challenge. Our trustee John Douglas surpassed all our expectations and completed not one, but two 2.6 mile runs around Newcastle, completing his challenge under an hour. Supporter Matt Cormack completed a marathon in his own back garden, completing a staggering 655 laps in 7 and a half hours, all whilst raising almost £2k for us and other local charities.  Well done Matt! 

A very special mention to our stay at home superstar Oli Crawshaw, who we funded a specialist wheelchair for earlier this year. Oli from Whitley Bay, who, at the age of two was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, continues to amaze us with his strength, bravery and determination. For the 2.6 challenge Oli completed his 2.6 miles in a combination of his manual chair and his Innowalk (a dynamic motorised device which offers physical support for those that need it). You’re a superstar Ollie!

To everyone who baked, skipped, danced or slept (Yes, that would be my teenager!) for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund for the 2.6 challenge, you are awesome!

And lets not forget our younger supporters too, who this week have been grabbing their capes and dressing up as mini superheroes to raise awareness of our charity. It’s brought a smile to our faces to see our sunshine friends showing us their love and support through these difficult times. Keep tagging us in your posts!

As always, if you are able to help children, right here in the North-East, please donate to us today. You can visit our website www.sunshinefund.org or donate via our Justgiving page www.justgiving.com/ecsf. You can also make a one-off text donation of £5 by texting SUNSHINE5 to 70085. Even a few pounds can make a huge difference.

Until Next time, stay safe and well!

Siobhan