IT'S London Marathon Day! – Or rather it would have been has the event not been postponed until October because of coronavirus.

However, that's not stopped many fundraisers carrying on regardless and taking on the challenge of raising cash for great causes.

Yesterday (Saturday, 25 April) Thurrock Nub news reported on the efforts of James Pinkerton who was fundraising for the Royal London Hospitals.

And this morning we can tell you about a Stanford-le-Hope family who are doing their bit for another London hospital.

Teenager Katie Davies and her family are well known in the local community for their fundraising work and provision of community defibrillators across the area.

Katie has suffered from a heart condition all of her life and the family have dedicated themselves to supporting those who have helped them, particularly the Royal Brompton Hospital which has played a big part in transforming Katie's life.

Mum Charlotte explained what they are doing today – and why.

She said: "We are raising money for the Royal Brompton Hospital's COVID-19 crisis Appeal.

"Katie's a patient at the Brompton and we are helping to raise money for equipment etc as the RBH is now treating a large number of coronavirus cases. All our appointments are being done over the phone and by video link now. Very worrying times.

"So because today was meant to be marathon day they set up a 2.6 challenge. So people can do anything that involves 2 and 6 (for the 26 miles of the marathon).

"Joe (Katie's dad) is running 2.6 miles around our garden (in Stanford) I've been doing the Joe Wicks work out every day so I've doing 26 Joe Wicks killer squats, Katie's making 26 rainbows and we have trained the dog to jump over a little jump so she's doing 26 jumps.

"We are aiming to raise £260. So as you know we've done loads of events over the years for the Brompton and the defibs in the community campaign. This will be our first one we've ever done from our back garden!"

If you would like to contribute you can do so by making a donation here.

Charlotte has expressed thanks to all who have already supported the family - particularly Fly By balloons based in Stanford-le-Hope who donated balloons.

Are you taking part in a 2.6 challenge today. Please let us know via our Facebook page , by emailing the editor at [email protected] or via our unique NUBIT button.