MORE than £2,000 was raised recently by Age UK groups across Worcestershire after taking part in the 2.6 challenge.

The 2.6 challenge was organised to make up for the cancellation of the London Marathon and encouraged participants to take part in challenges themed around the number 2.6.

Supporters of local Age UK’s across Worcestershire took part, and their combined efforts raised an impressive £2,900.

The money will go to the charity's work supporting older people across the county during the coronavirus outbreak and into the future.

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Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s supporters took on challenges of their own including a 26 kilometre exercise bike ride, a 26 mile run and a virtual team relay challenge.

Following the government guidelines the virtual relay was a particular success featuring swimming 26 lengths of a paddling pool, and a 260 metre dizzy sprint. Through their efforts, the supporters raised £1,000.

Magda Praill, chief operating officer of Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire said: “It was great to see supporters from across the county raising vital funds through the 2.6 challenge for Age UK.

"During the coronavirus outbreak it’s vital that we continue to fundraise to help support older people in our area.”

Anyone who wants to make a donation to Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s 2.6 challenge can still do so by visiting justgiving.com, and searching for 'Team Age UK H&W's 2.6 Relay Challenge'.

We recently revealed that the Age UK Worcester and District had lost 80 per cent of its funding since the pandemic began.

Clare Thomas, Age UK Worcester’s chief executive officer told us: "We have a very uncertain future and yet we are required more than ever."

And Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire also said they had also been suffering in recent weeks, urging people to donate.