How Fifers responded to a 2.6 fundraising challenge during lockdown

Fifers stepped out on Sunday to take part in the 2.6 challenge set up by organisers of the London Marathon as a way to support and fundraise for charities.

A host of voluntary organisations took a hit when the annual event was postponed due to the coronavirus lockdown.

So instead of pounding the streets of London, locals were challenged to complete a marathon in 26 minutes by adding up all the individual distances travelled in 26 minutes.

People were asked to do their daily exercise dressed in bright clothes or fancy dress, wear face paint or wigs and record how far they travelled.

They did it in their house, their garden, their streets...all following the social distancing guidelines.

Some locals in Kirkcaldy, including members of the Raeburn and Braid families, signed up for the 2.6 challenge to raise money for the Hearts and Minds healthcare charity which uses the art of therapeutic clowning to bring laughter to children in hospital, hospice care, and special educational need schools and to adults living with dementia in residential care.

Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts and Minds, said: “Everyone got really behind the campaign and took part on their own but also with their families. They were inspired by the clowndoctors who made them smile.”

She added that the Fifers who took part have raised over £4000 for the charity.

To find out more visit: www.heartsminds.org.uk

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press