Whether it's running backwards or putting pen to paper, people in Kent are getting creative for the new 2.6 challenge.

With many big events and fundraisers cancelled during the coronavirus lockdown - including Sunday's London Marathon - charities across the country are missing out of millions of pounds in donations.

To combat this, the 2.6 challenge was launched yesterday and is calling on people to take part in any activity involving the number 26 - the same number of miles ran in a marathon.

This could be to run or ride 2.6 miles as your daily exercise, holding the plank for 2.6 minutes, or to gardening for 26 minutes.

Here we take a look at what some of the people in the county are doing to raise money.

A step backwards

Keen runner Ray Johnson, from Folkestone, was due to run his 20th London Marathon in a row over the weekend.

But with the famous event cancelled, he decided to overcome a different obstacle instead.

He ran along The Leas for 2.6 miles, but backwards. It took him 41 minutes.

He said: "It was a shame to miss my first marathon in 20 years. But obviously it was necessary and we must do what is best.

"I didn't do any training, but got used to running backwards quite quickly.

"It was a strange sensation when I finished though; I felt a bit dizzy."

Mr Johnson, 56, who is race director for the Folkestone Coastal 10k and the Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon, is raising funds for Kent Association for the Blind.

Throughout the last 20 years, he has raised £80,000 for the charity. To donate, visit here.

A team effort

The keepers and staff at The Big Cat Sanctuary, in Smarden near Ashford, are pulling together to raise funds for the animal park.

Between them they plan to run 26 miles and cycle or walk 262 miles.

They launched their challenge yesterday (Sunday) and will continue throughout the week, finishing with a live broadcast on social media on Friday with Maya the black Jaguar.

It costs £3,000 a day to feed the animals at the sanctuary, but with the park closed its income has dried up.

To support the team, visit here.

Writing skills

Olive Blundell, from Wigmore near Gillingham, is trying to raise funds through her love of language.

Starting yesterday and inspired by Captain Tom Moore, Mrs Blundell, 93, is planning to compose original poetry or re-work well-known popular pieces of verse, in support of the Macular Society.

Some of her previous literary efforts have seen her creating her own versions of nursery rhymes including ‘The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe’ and ‘Little Boy Blue’, and updating lyrics to the hymn, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’.

Mrs Blundell, who was diagnosed with macular disease in the late 1990s, said: "What Captain Tom has done is really wonderful, and I tried to think of what I might be able to do as a fundraising challenge.

"Although I only have limited sight now and walking around is also quite difficult, I still love to write and have had some of my poetry published in national newspapers previously.

"I haven’t really set myself a specific target; but starting from Sunday, I’m going to try and write at least one piece every day for as long as I can, to raise as much money as I can.

"I’d certainly like to raise as much as Captain Tom, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that! It would be lovely though if everyone could try to do something to help fundraise for charities like the Macular Society at this time."

To support Mrs Blundell, visit here.

Garden fun

Yasmin Blackford, 21 and from Singleton in Ashford, completed a full marathon in her garden yesterday.

Switching between running and walking, she completed her challenge in seven hours and seven minutes.

Miss Blackford, who works at Nike at the Ashford Designer Outlet, said: "I love a challenge and was speaking to my friends and family about what to do and came up with the idea to run/walk 26 miles in my garden.

"I started at 8am yesterday and completed it in just over seven hours. I'm feeling a bit achy today."

Miss Blackford has so far raised more than £900 for the Samaritans.

She said: "A lot of people are relying on the charity during this time, so wanted to support them."

To donate, visit here.

Marathon week for novice

A running novice is aiming to complete a marathon-distance from her home this week in support of a bereavement charity which helps children come to terms with grief.

Sarah Hawes, from Boughton near Faversham, plans to clock up 26 miles over the course of seven days while also completing 26 press ups and sit ups every day.

The self-confessed fitness fan is raising money for Holding On Letting Go (HOLG), which is based in Rochester.

The charity helps youngsters deal with losing a loved one in whatever circumstance they have experienced, whether it be from a sudden death like a car accident or from illness and how they can learn to share their emotions through support groups, activities and weekend retreats.

PR consultant Sarah, 40, said: "I've seen the amazing impact that HOLG has had on children and their families across the county during the most difficult times in their lives. Sadly, due to the pandemic, many more children are likely to face bereavement, so it's vital the charity has the funding necessary to carry on its important work."

She is asking for people to donate just £2.60 to her cause.

Visit her fundraising page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-s-2-6-challenge226

Taking a tumble

Helene Poursain, director of fundraising and events for Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), completed her challenge in her Maidstone garden and did roly polys for a distance of 2.6km.

This equated to more than 1,300 roly polys.

She completed the challenge over two days, taking three hours in total.

Colleague Lauren Simmons, also from Maidstone, organised an egg and spoon race, which saw 26 people taking part, each person completing 100m with their own egg and spoon.

They raised money for the air ambulance, which provides vital services across Kent.

But in total more than £10,000 has been raised after 23 people undertook the 2.6 challenge in support of the charity.

Lynne Harris, executive director of income generation at KSS said: "The 2.6 fundraisers have been amazing and have come up with some great ideas, like Helene with her roly poly challenge.

"Fundraising is challenging in the current times and we are very fortunate that the people of Kent, Surrey and Sussex really take us to their hearts, they know what an important charity we are.

"Inspired by our 2.6 fundraisers, we hope people will use the extra time they now have at home to do some fundraising for us or will donate to us through our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal.

"We are extremely grateful for the support to keep the Air Ambulance flying high."

Are you taking part in the 2.6 challenge? Contact swilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.