Two point six challengers get creative to support local NHS

Supporters who took part in The 2.6 Challenge for Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity have raised a combined £2,600 for their local NHS.

The campaign was put together by organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country, to help charities raise vital funds in lieu of the large number of events that have been cancelled due to Covid-19.

From running round the garden, to jumping on pogo sticks, to cycling, the challenge saw 40 ‘Home Heroes’ – including a number of children and young people – take on a challenge or donate during lockdown, to help raise vital funds.

Henry Chandler, who goes to Boxgrove Primary School in Guildford, ran and walked 2.6km for seven consecutive days, raising a brilliant £285, to be split between Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and Challengers.

Henry said:

“I wanted to help our local hospital, The Royal Surrey, because this is where mummy and daddy had me and my sister and now I want to help their fight against COVID-19.”

Sisters Sophie and Cesca Reynolds also took part – Sophie, who was born seven weeks premature and was cared for in our Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), jumped 2,600 times around the garden on her pogo stick, while Cesca designed a HIIT circuit of 13 exercises, which she repeated 26 times. Together, they’ve raised over £200 for our Closer to Care campaign, which will transform care for premature and sick babies treated at the hospital.

The girls were inspired to fundraise for the campaign after visiting SCBU last year to present a cheque with their dad, after he completed the Marathon Des Sables – known as ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’.

Sandy Lowry, Events Fundraising Manager, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled that so many people took part in The 2.6 Challenge and that they came up with such creative ideas. It’s especially wonderful to see so many young people getting involved.”

She added: “The Covid pandemic has affected charities because so many events have had to be cancelled, and we have been blown away by the support we’ve received from the local community throughout. The total raised will make a real impact across the hospital. Thank you to each and every one of you who took part or donated – you are all superstars.”

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