Edinburgh rugby club players raise hundreds of pounds for charity in 2.6 challenge

Players at Edinburgh Northern RFC took part in the challenge on Sunday

Jason Thompson, ENRFC openside flanker, who spelt ENRFC on Strava

An incredible £300 has been raised for a charity for the blind and partially sighted by the blood, sweat and tears of one of Edinburgh’s rugby clubs.

Players and staff at Edinburgh Northern Rugby Football Club spent the weekend challenging each other to take part in the 2.6 Challenge, set up by the organisers of the London marathon which encourages people to take on an activity involving the number 26 and to donate or fundraise for charity.

Edinburgh Northern Rugby Football Club board member Jamie Kindness said around 50 rugby players and supporters tackled the challenge in support of Royal Blind, Scotland’s largest visual impairment charity which provides services for people with sight loss of all ages.

Jamie Kindness, Edinburgh Northern Rugby Football Club board member, pauses doing a plank.

Mr Kindness said: “We have a very strong community focus at Edinburgh Northern so we’re enthusiastic about getting in behind a charity like Royal Blind.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a tough time for everybody, but it’s especially difficult for charities like Royal Blind, which cares for older people with vision impairments who are vulnerable to this virus due to their age.”

“Together, we raised £300, so I’m proud of the guys."

The money raised will go towards a Royal Blind appeal to help support its five residential care services which all are staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Edinburgh Northern rugby team after a 16-12 win at Inch Park in February.

Mr Kindness added: “Taking part in activities like this challenge has led me to see that the real world and our Edinburgh community does still exist, despite the lockdown and not being able to see anyone face to face.

“We are passionate about supporting causes close to our heart. For example, last week we raised more than £4000 for worthy causes from a club dinner, held online.

“We are running a weekly fitness competition during the COVID-19 lockdown, with team members earning a point for each unit of exercise they complete.

“For the 2.6 Challenge, we doubled the amount of daily points our members could earn if they made a donation to Royal Blind.

“This lockdown is a great time to set yourself a fitness goal, and to give back to the community, if you are able.”

The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the official Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.

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