At the end of April lots of people took part in the MapAction 2.6 Challenge, finding creative and impressive ways to get active using the number 2.6 as a theme while maintaining social distancing.

Bouncing, hopping, putting, running, cycling and swimming were some of the activities undertaken, measured in miles, minutes, multiples and – of course – maps!

We’re absolutely delighted to report that to date, the MapAction 2.6 Challenge has raised over £6,000, and we are still to receive our portion of a central fund to be distributed to participating charities.

This is a fantastic amount, and is vitally important to us as at the moment, when we are rapidly adapting our services to meet the fast-changing needs of our partners as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part as well as everyone who made a donation.

The 2.6 Challenge was the brainchild of the organisers of the 26-mile London Marathon, which was due to take place on 26 April. Like many charities, we had runners who were planning to take part, raising money for us in the process. It was disappointing for them and us when the event wasn’t able to happen and we’re hugely grateful to them for all the effort they put into training and fundraising.

Special thanks to the pupils and staff at Gateway School, Jonathan Hendry and 4 Earth Intelligence, Barbara Bond, Valerie Hindson, the Sims and Maynard families, Mike Denicolai, Pauline Newton, Dan Smith, Penny, Ian and Raquel for your great efforts while taking up the 2.6 Challenge. And thanks also to Stefan Schweinfest, Vickie White, Karen McDonald and Jonathan Hendry for your dedicated support in planning to run the Marathon for us, which is greatly appreciated. Next time!