Debenhams Ottaway joins the 2.6 challenge to raise money for Youth Talk

Multi-service law firm, Debenhams Ottaway, based in the heart of St Albans and Radlett supports its chosen charity, Youth Talk, by taking part in the 2.6 challenge on Sunday 26 April 2020, raising over £800.

On Sunday 26 April 2020 thousands of people would have flocked to London to take part and support the London Marathon. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, for the first time in 39 years it has been postponed until Sunday 4 October 2020.

Not only have the 40,000 runners not been able to take part but the thousands of charities they were running are losing a huge amount of income. Collectively charities will have missed out on £millions with the marathon being one of the largest fundraising event in the world.

The organisers of the London Marathon created the 2.6 challenge campaign to help raise money for all the UK charities who have missed out on this annual fundraising opportunity. The 2.6 challenge was designed for anyone in the UK to join, choosing  a challenge, any challenge at all, related to the numbers 2.6 or 26 (the number of miles in a marathon, plus the date the event would have taken place). Participants were to choose a charity or community group they wanted to raise money for, ask friends and family for sponsorship, and then complete their challenge. The campaign was a huge success across the whole of the UK, going viral on social media in a bid to save these struggling UK charities.

Debenhams Ottaway stepped up to the challenge and individuals took part in their own challenges separately on Sunday, to help raise funds for Youth Talk. The team took part in a variety of activities, from baking 260 cupcakes for NHS staff to 35 reps of lifting 75kg!

Mental health and well-being are topics that need to be promoted, talked about, and thought about in all workplaces, especially during this difficult time. The team at Debenhams Ottaway chose Youth Talk as their charity because of the incredible work they do, offering counselling sessions and a safe place for young, vulnerable people across St Albans.

Susan Glenholme, managing partner of Debenhams Ottaway comments “It was great to see so many of our team taking part in this wonderful event to help raise funds for our charity, Youth Talk. These are very difficult times for everyone, and we understand that the 2.6 challenge was a great opportunity for UK charities to fundraise to help with the amazing work they do. I feel proud of our team at Debenhams Ottaway and although we are not physically together at present, events like this help us come together as a team.”

David Barker, CEO of Youth Talk comments “Our work relies on the goodwill, determination and passion of our local community – and the tremendous team at Debenhams Ottaway never fail to amaze and inspire us! From yoga sessions to Zumba dancing and burpees to cake baking they truly rose to the 2.6 challenge helping us to raise vitally needed funds to support young people across the District – thank you.”

If you would like to make a donation, it’s not too late, please visit Debenhams Ottaway’s fundraising page here.