Rugby League’s charities are working harder than ever before to support people at every level of the sport as the world comes to terms with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Charities such as Rugby League Cares, the RL Benevolent Fund and club foundations continue to deliver important services to communities across the country at this difficult time.
The global health crisis is having a profound effect on the UK’s charity sector, many of which have had to cancel all their summer fundraising events. This is true for the Rugby League charities.
RL Cares has had to postpone its biggest fundraiser, the Empire State 500 bike ride, which would have raised upwards of £100,000 had it gone ahead next month, while the RL Benevolent Fund and the Steve Prescott Foundation have both been hit hard by the cancellation of events like the London Marathon.
To counter the impact of the lockdown, and ahead of the scheduled London Marathon date this weekend, the 2.6 Challenge is asking the whole nation to be Home Heroes and replace these much-needed funds – and save UK charities.
Everyone can get involved – kids, parents, friends, families, work colleagues – and it’s an opportunity for the Rugby League community to fundraise for Rugby League charities.
You can do any challenge around the magic Marathon number of 26 to raise money – run or walk 2.6k (or miles!); 26 press-ups; maybe even two blocks of 13, to give it a special RL twist.
And later this week, Rugby League will be launching its own special version of the 2.6 Challenge for people to show their support for the work of the sport’s charities.
Steve McCormack, the former Salford and Scotland coach who is now a key figure at RL Cares, is encouraging Rugby League fans to get involved.
“This is a tough time for all of us, and the Rugby League charities have the backs of lots of people who might otherwise be struggling to get through it all,” he said.
“As a sport we have a long and proud tradition of pulling together in times of hardship and that’s where we are now. With the help of Rugby League Cares, every penny raised will go to supporting Rugby League causes at the heart of our communities, and close to all our hearts.”
More information on the 2.6 Challenge campaign can be found here, as well as details of how you can get involved with raising money for Rugby League charities yourself.