An 85-year-old veteran marathon runner is determined to raise money for the hospice that cared for his late wife – despite the London Marathon being cancelled.

Alan Dudney, of Lower Herne Road, Herne Bay, was hoping to support Pilgrims Hospices by taking part in the annual marathon in the capital today.

But after the event was postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Dudney decided he would come up with a new plan to raise money for the charity.

He said: "My idea is to walk up an down and round my garden for 2.6 hours each day over a period of ten days, adding up to 26 hours.

"I think I can manage this alright, but I've only got a small garden, and I'm not allowed to go in the park which is only 200 metres away because I have to be in isolation."

Today would have been the octogenarian's 11th marathon in 20 years.

He had planned for this to be his last marathon, running with his nephew Paul, 56, in the memory of his late wife.

Daphne Dudney died eighteen months ago and was in the care of Pilgrims Hospices in Canterbury.

Despite the postponement, Mr Dudney still plans to take part in the rescheduled London Marathon on Sunday, October 4.

His new fundraising venture is part of the 2.6 Challenge, a campaign set up to save charities across the UK in the wake of the marathon being delayed.

The campaign is encouraging people to take part in activities based around the number 2.6 or 26.

It comes as the UK’s charities are facing an estimated £4 billion shortfall in funding.

The campaign describes the London Marathon as the largest one-day annual fundraising event, forming a huge part of the financial support awarded to charities across the UK.

The Virgin Money 2019 London Marathon collectively raised more than £66.4 million.

Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group, said: "You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes.

"You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26-minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26-minute workout – anything you like.

"We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help save the UK’s charities by giving money or raising funds for the charity close to your heart."

Mr Dudney is not the only person raising money for Pilgrims Hospices in Kent.

A family from Ashford have challenged themselves to a relay-marathon on their home treadmill.

The 26.2 miles will be spread between the Hodge family, with mum Kerry taking on 3 miles, 17-year-old twins Jack & Kieran doing 6 miles each, leaving running-fanatic dad Steve to take on the final 11.2 miles.

The family were inspired to take on the 2.6 Challenge and support the hospice charity after Steve's dad was cared for at their Ashford hospice.

Steve’s mum is also a volunteer gardener for the charity, and has been there to witness the impact Covid-19 has had on patients, families and staff, as well as their 1,500 volunteers.

Another of the charities taking part is the YMCA Thames Gateway, which is the Gravesend and Dartford Messenger’s Charity of the Year.

The charity’s director of programmes Joanna Read, said: “We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help save our charity by giving money or raising funds.”

Those running the charity will be hosting a live circuit class via Zoom, details of which can be found here.

Smaller charities such as Rochester-based Holding On Letting Go - a charity which supports children going through a bereavement - have seen many of their fundraising events postponed or cancelled entirely which is why they are asking people to support them from their homes.

It’s fundraising officer Caroline Gaskin said: "It's such a fantastic idea in response to the situation and we are looking forward to seeing some very imaginative and creative ideas.

"It's all about what you can do rather than what you can't, staying safe, at home and following the Covid-19 guidelines.”

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