Charities all across the UK have been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of fundraising events have been cancelled and many charities, particularly smaller ones, are struggling to maintain services because of this huge reduction in income. 

Maddie and Kerry are joining the #TwoPointSixChallenge initiative and pledge to run 26 miles (I have never liked running) before 26th April to raise as much money as possible for Sunshine and Smiles - Leeds Down Syndrome Network. 

We work for the charity Sunshine & Smiles which is a support network in Leeds for families who have a child with Down syndrome. We offer speech & language therapy, family support, run activities like swimming, football, dancing and music - and it's all free and accessible! Last year we opened a Café to encourage other businesses to offer paid opportunities to people with Down syndrome. Only 10% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment in the UK, and we want to help increase that.

Without kind donations and fundraisers like the 2.6 Challenge we wouldn't be able to keep up these sessions that are so important for the development of any person who has Down syndrome. 

We understand this is a difficult time for many and not everyone is in a position to donate. The community is coming together more than ever and if we could raise just a small amount for the charity, it would make a huge difference. 

Thank you in advance. We will get through this!