FRENSHAM-based Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

As well as cancelling or postponing all their fundraising events, they have closed their centre in Frensham and regional hubs for the first time since 1971.

The majority of staff are on furlough leave and although they are still struggling to make ends meet, the remaining team are carrying on providing specialist support and advice online or by video chat.

The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity is now appealing for help at this time of crisis.

The organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help the charities fundraising and save the UK’s charities.

The campaign, The 2.6 Challenge, launched last Sunday on what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event. Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity had five runners all ready and waiting to take part.

The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age and lasts all a week – the only requirement is the activity must follow the government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity are asking readers to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise by donating on their Virgin Money Giving page. Just head to the www.TwoPointSixChallenge.co.uk website to start fundraising or make a donation.

Andy Cook, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Like so many charities across the UK, we have been hugely impacted by cancelled fundraising events due to Covid-19. Your support would mean the world to us and I can’t wait to hear all your weird and wonderful ideas.

“We understand current circumstances are difficult for everyone, but if you are in a position to help us continue our valuable work, to our 50th anniversary and beyond, we would be hugely grateful.”

The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity’s mission is to remove barriers to learning and life for people with dyslexia by providing expert, personal and life-changing support. The charity helps more than 1,000 children, young people and adults each year.