Music sensation Marc Almond performs Instagram concert to help Headway

Leading the way in the fight to save UK charities amid the coronavirus crisis, Marc has urged fundraisers to get involved with the 2.6 challenge by singing along to one of his hit songs and donating to the charity of which he is a patron.

The 2.6 challenge, which is an initiative organised by a consortium of mass participation sports organisations such as the London Marathon, and aims to raise £67 million for UK charities by the end of April, will ask fundraisers to take part in an activity related to the number 2.6 or 26 – a reference to the London Marathon.

Marc is doing his bit by performing one of his hit songs on Instagram for Headway, the national brain injury charity, and asking his followers to get involved and donate what they can.

The event is set to take place on his Instagram account (@marcalmondofficial) on 26 April at 6:00pm.

Marc’s involvement with the charity began after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident in 2004 and became a patron, helping to raise awareness of brain injury on a national scale.

He said:

“Headway is a very special charity to me. Having suffered head trauma in an accident in 2004, I know how devastating and debilitating recovery can be.

“It’s a long road of suffering for many, not just for the person with the injury but families, partners and friends too.”

But like many other charities across the world right now, the coronavirus outbreak has had an undeniable impact on Headway’s finances and the charity now faces questions about its long-term future.

Jo Plant, Director of Fundraising, said: “The coronavirus pandemic is unlike anything we’ve ever had to face. For brain injury survivors and their families, the current crisis is made even more challenging by effects such as memory problems, impaired reasoning, anxiety and difficulties coping with change.

“We’re doing all we can to support brain injury survivors during this time – but we need your help!

“As a charity that relies on voluntary donations, we now need your help to cope with a severe reduction in our fundraising income as a result of coronavirus. The weeks and months ahead are going to be challenging and we are anticipating a potential drop of £1.3 million in income this year.

“We are asking everyone to create a 2.6 challenge of their own and raise funds or pledge a donation.

“The funds raised through this challenge will be absolutely vital to the continuation of our services and support across the nation. Every pound you donate towards to 2.6 challenge will go straight towards supporting brain injury survivors, their families and carers, during both these unprecedented times and hopefully long into the future.”

Marc added: “I’m lucky I had a good recovery; many others don’t, and they need the support that Headway can give them especially in this difficult time of Covid-19 which only adds to upset and confusion.

“I hope you will make a donation to Headway however small. Thank you.”

To join Marc in his efforts to save the charity and get involved in the 2.6 challenge, visit headway.org.uk/2point6.