The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on charities, with the cancellations of thousands of events across the country which charities like Different Strokes rely on for fundraising purposes.  Across the UK it is estimated that charities will lose £4 billion as a result of this.

That’s why we’re getting behind the 2.6 challenge on 26^th April.

The charity that I run, Different Strokes, helps working age and younger stroke survivors.  It is often thought that strokes only happen to the elderly, but across the UK around 30,000 people of working age have a  stroke every year.  We provide support to stroke survivors and their families at a very vulnerable time in their lives through an online support group, telephone helpline, information packs, exercise and support groups and a young persons befriending service, so that survivors know that they are not alone, that they can reclaim their lives and that there is life after stroke.  We anticipate a massive fall in our charitable income as a result of the pandemic, which may put our future ability to support vulnerable stroke survivors at risk.

I’ll be running 2.6 miles around my very small garden, and to make this a family affair, my 5 year old will be doing 26 laps of the garden, while my 17 month old will be walking 26 metres.  Other supporters of Different Strokes will be doing similar activities on this day, all designed to raise crucial funds for the charity while raising awareness of the perilous situation that UK charities currently face.

To keep with the whole theme of the event, donations of £26 would be especially welcome, but any donations, no matter how small, would be very gratefully received.

Thank you so much for your support; keep safe and keep connected.