Local charity sets 2.6 mini marathon challenge

An Aberdeen NHS worker who had trained to run the London Marathon for local charity Home-Start Aberdeen is encouraging supporters and the public to take part in the charity’s 'Mini Marathon' campaign as part of the 2.6 Challenge in the Save the UK’s Charities appeal.

A team of staff and volunteers from Home-Start Aberdeen are now joining efforts with runner Allan Leslie to each walk 2.6 miles a day for 10 days and raise funds as part of the national 2.6 Challenge campaign.

In lieu of the 40th London Marathon, the organisers have been encouraging the public to take on a challenge of their choosing based around the number 2.6 or 26 and fundraise for their chosen charity.

Allan has already raised a staggering £3,000 to date for Home-Start Aberdeen during his marathon journey. He had been training over 30 miles a week over the past few months and completed the Inverness Half Marathon on 8th March.

Following government guidelines on exercise and social distancing Allan and the Home-Start team will now be completing their marathon distances, on their own or with family, by either walking, jogging or running 2.6 miles a day for 10 days.

Individuals and/or families can get involved and run, walk, skip, ride or scoot 2.6 miles for 10 days and fundraise using the charity’s unique 2.6 Challenge Just Giving fundraising page: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/get-involved?charityId=799453.

“The 2.6 Challenge has given us a great opportunity to get behind Allan, thank him for all his support and fundraising efforts,” said Eleanor McEwan, general manager.

“He has trained and fundraised tirelessly over the past few months and I know, like so many of the 44,000 people due to run the London marathon, how disappointed he is not to have been able to run the race as planned. It’s not what was in anyone’s plan but hopefully we can help and play a part in generating further fundraising and donations together.

“The 2.6 mini marathon challenge also helps us to encourage and motivate the families we support to get involved and get active in a time which we know is taking its toll on families’ wellbeing.”

“We have adapted our services and continue to provide these remotely to nearly 80 families across Aberdeen as well as supporting 34 of those families with crisis support. Over the past few weeks we’ve been seeking several funding opportunities to support the continuation of our services through this difficult and challenging time and to replace funds we are losing due to coronavirus.”

Allan added: “I’m disappointed about the postponement of the London marathon but overwhelmed with the support I’ve had from donors, family, friends and colleagues throughout to raise £3,000, which is double my original target. I’m thrilled to be taking part in Home-Start Aberdeen’s 2.6 mini marathon challenge and look forward to getting to run the actual race and make all my supporters proud.”

For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has provided crucial help for struggling young families, who have at least one child under the age of 5.This includes support for families affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability and financial hardship.

For more information on The 2.6 Challenge, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk or on Home-Start Aberdeen visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk

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