Yorkshire Air Ambulance is calling on supporters to join ‘The 2.6 Challenge’ on Sunday 26th April 2020 to help raise vital funds for the life-saving charity.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5 million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on many charities across the UK with a calendar packed full of summer events being cancelled. For the YAA, the estimated loss of income for this period alone is in the region of £400,000 plus.
‘The 2.6 Challenge’ was created to help raise money for UK charities on the date that would have been the London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event.
To take part, all you need to do is think of a challenge to complete on or from the 26th April, ask for donations and nominate someone you know to do the same. The only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.
This could be anything from cycling 26 miles on your exercise bike to doing 26 laps of your garden, taking part in 26 hours of screen free time or even baking 26 cakes – the possibilities are endless.
Helen Callear, Director of Fundraising (North and East Yorkshire) for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “The YAA relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to keep both of our helicopters in the air, costing £12,000 a day.
With many of our fundraising events cancelled throughout the year, we’re looking for new and innovative ways to raise much-needed vital funds to support the Charity.
The 2.6 Challenge is a great way for people of all ages to start their fundraising journey and help support the YAA. Many of our staff are motivated to get involved themselves along with their friends and families. We are really looking forward to seeing and hearing about all the fantastic ideas everyone has for their own 2.6 Challenge!”
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2.6 challenge and helped to raise vital funds to keep us flying and saving lives across Yorkshire.
