What’s On: London Marathon’s project present The 2.6 challenge ins support of charities

A challenge organised by the London Marathon as part of a drive to help save charities has brought out the musical talents of a very special group of people.

The 2.6 challenge is the London Marathon’s project to save UK charities’, and Reach Charity Ltd – who help support children with upper limb differences and their families – have created a virtual orchestra to play Reach Charity’s theme tune – Reach for The Stars by S Club 7.

Clare Salters, Reach’s chairwoman, decided to pull together as many Reach members as possible who play an instrument and wanted to do something to try and capture the public’s eye.

The orchestra is made up of 32 Reach members, aged three to 70, from 14 places across the UK and players include a professional harpist to a retired hand surgeon playing violin.

Clare, from South London, pulled the videos together and edited the music.

She said: “I’m really delighted that there has been so much support for the project, especially in the Reach community but also beyond.

“I’ve always felt that music was the best way to connect with people, and that has certainly been the case here.

“The kids and their families have really got behind the project, because they wanted to enjoy the music but also because they wanted to support Reach.

“I’m really proud of what we have been able to achieve together. Like most charities, Reach is heavily dependent on fundraising in order to keep operating.

“This year’s movement restrictions across the UK and Ireland mean that our traditional sources of income have temporarily dried up – no London marathon or other major sporting events that are our usual bread and butter.

“We have been excited to be involved in the 2.6 Challenge, and it has been great to see the willingness of people across the Reach community to come together to find ways of helping secure funding for our charity.”

You can watch the orchestra play at https://youtu.be/cjdlsquk8xE

Main Picture: Harry Pepper Guitar Reach Orchestra