Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Please read my story, follow my efforts on the Myositis UK Facebook page and if you can sponsor me a little - maybe what you would of spent on a take-away coffee during the working week or some of what you may have spent on petrol now that only essential travel is permitted?

Income to support Myositis UK has fallen drastically during the Covid-19 pandemic and even when the lockdown is lifted social distancing will be required for quite a while. This will affect all the usual fundraisers for Myositis UK. 

My 2.6/26 Challenge is to use the cross trainer for 2.6miles for 26 days.

Easy for many, yes I agree, but I’ve been left with muscle weakness, calcinosis, contractures, stiffness, reduced lung function and general scars of Juvenile Dermatomyositis. 

I’m not a cross trainer pro either, my machine arrived last week, I’ve not used one for years, its an early birthday present to maintain my fitness as by Shielding I cannot go out on a daily walk (if you read the government’s advice Shielders are asked to stay indoors in their home and open a window!). I’m lucky to have a small garden but it’s a slope and very uneven. Exercising on it will more likely result in a sprained ankle, hence the cross trainer purchase. 

I did a test run on Saturday. It took me about 7 minutes to cross train 2.6km. It’s certainly not easy, I’m puffing and my heart rate goes up to 130. However, to make it more of a worthy challenge for sponsorship I decided to change from 2.6km to 2.6 miles for 26 days.

To add a little bit more fun to involve my son we will also be adding in the following during lockdown:

Counting upwards in 2.6 until we reach 260.

Reading 26 different children’s books.

Dancing to Baby Shark and other annoying Pink Fong tunes for 26 minutes.

Blowing 26 bubbles.

Sliding 26 times.

Reciting the 26 letters of the alphabet and playing a few alphabet games. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.