The RSPCA has raised £20,000 so far thanks to generous supporters who have taken part in the 2.6 challenge. 
The week-long challenge kicked off on Sunday 26 April, when the London Marathon would have held its 40th annual even and asked participants to do a challenge around the number 2.6 or 26.
Every year the London Marathon raises over £25,000 for the RSPCA and is a vital source of income for many charities. As the vent was postponed this year, lots of kind animal lovers came up with some innovative ideas to raise money for the animal welfare charity at home.
From rescue dogs catching 26 balls at play time, children doing 26 sit ups, inspectors undertaking 26 bunny hops, and a 56-year old who ran the 26.2 miles of a marathon on a treadmill in his garage, the RSPCA has received fantastic support to help them through the coronavirus crisis.
RSPCA ambassador Kate Lawler has also been hosting a live workout every Sunday on her Instagram account. The Virgin radio presenter and dog lover was planning on running the London Marathon for the RSPCA this year. As one of the charity’s ambassadors, she was keen to take on the challenge for a cause she cares about.
Kate said: “I support this charity because I love animals, it’s as simple as that really. I love animals and I care about their welfare. The RSPCA cares deeply about animal welfare and that’s why I’m very proud to be an ambassador for them.”
Richard Purchase from Dorset who had never completed a marathon before, managed to finish his treadmill marathon is exactly three hours and raised over £2,000 for the charity.
Richard said: “It went pretty well although my hips were a bit sore afterwards. I’ve raised £2,300 to help animals which as a big animal lover, I’m very happy with.”
It’s not too late to get involved either by taking part in your own 2.6 challenge or donating whatever you can space to the RSPCA at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.
