NSPCC fundraising colleagues take on 2.6 Challenge to help safeguard children

NSPCC fundraising colleagues in the South West of England will be taking on their own challenge as part of the 2.6 Challenge that’s being launched this Sunday to help charities raise money at a time when funding has dropped significantly.

The NSPCC, which relies on public support for 90% of its income, would have had 500 supporters taking on the 40th London Marathon this Sunday, pushing themselves around the 26.2-mile course to raise money for #TeamNSPCC.

Supporter Fundraising Manager for the region, Caroline Morgan said: “The London Marathon raises around £1.2million for the NSPCC each year, and understandably that isn’t possible this year, so we’re encouraging people to support our charity in other ways, including virtual and home-based challenges.

“Another way is to join the 2.6 Challenge, and that’s exactly what we’re doing as a team on Sunday, leading by example to help raise money so that the charity can continue its vital work supporting the region’s children and their families.”

The NSPCC has been adapting the way it works so that it is still here for children and their families who need its support through its direct services, as well as its Childline service and the NSPCC Helpline for adults worried about the wellbeing of a child.

Colleagues in the charity’s community fundraising team are willing each other on for the marathon challenge by running, walking and hula hooping.

Caroline, who will be walking 2.6 miles with her daughter Georgia for her leg of the challenge, said: “More children are reaching out to Childline worried about the Coronavirus, families are struggling to adapt to lockdown, and with schools closed many vulnerable children are at risk.

“We want to ensure we can continue to be here for children, so we’ve organised our own challenge to celebrate how we can still be part of a team even if we aren’t all together, and to show how simple it is to get involved.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see how my colleagues, friends, and family get on with their own challenges.”

Her colleague Alison Armer, who is based across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, said: “Sunday will be my 41st day of being at home, so I’ve challenged myself to do 2.6 miles on a cross trainer at home.

“This is a huge challenge for me personally, but it will help keep me mentally and physically fit whilst we have to stay at home.

“We’re all getting involved, but setting our own challenges and doing something different.

“Some of us will be walking, roller-skating or running 2.6 miles, whilst others will be dribbling a football around the local park for that distance, or hula hooping for 26 minutes.”

The money raised will help support NSPCC services, including Childline which has seen an increase in contact from children who feel anxious and scared about what’s happening.

Childline counsellors have answered calls from children trapped in homes that aren’t safe, and they’ve also spoken to children with suicidal thoughts and feelings, who feel they have no one else to turn to.

It costs £4 for a trained volunteer counsellor to answer a child’s call for help to Childline.

£27 could pay for a Childline supervisor for one hour, supporting volunteer counsellors.

£190 could pay for one Childline supervisor shift, supporting volunteer counsellors.

£1,250 could pay to run Childline for an average of one hour.

Caroline added: “There are lots of charities that will be taking part in the 2.6 Challenge, and at the NSPCC our workers, volunteers and supporters are getting involved too.

“We’d love other people to join #TeamNSPCC, by thinking of an activity or challenge based around the number 2.6 or 26.

“It’s a challenge anyone can get involved with, and all we ask is that it follows the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.”

For more information on how to sign up for the 2.6 challenge in aid of the NSPCC visit the NSPCC website and to find out more about the challenge Caroline and Alison are involved in visit their JustGiving page.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk

Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.