A SKIPTON based children’s charity, suffering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, has challenged itself to get 26 organisations on board to take part in its ‘Mission 26’ fundraising appeal.

The Principle Trust, set up by Ilkley man Mike Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Principle Healthcare International, is asking organisations, of whatever size, to raise £1,000 during October., to allow it to continue sending underprivileged, disadvantaged and disabled children on free, respite breaks to one of its holiday homes.

The charity, which believes it’s down £26,000, is urging people to raise the money in whatever way they can, whether its hosting a socially distanced garden party, walking the neighbours’ dogs for a donation, or carrying out a sponsored litter pick.

Working with partner organisations, the charity which sends children and their families to its holiday homes, in places such as Lake Windermere, has like all other charities seen its fundraising activities collapse as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporters did manage social distancing fundraising walks of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and also the Dalesway long distance walk, but fundraising has still been severely hit, it says.

The charity had planned to have supporters in the rescheduled London Marathon on October 4, but has lost the opportunity, and believes it has lost around £26,000 as a result of Covid-19.

Lauren Fisher, fundraising manager, said: “Mission26 is a campaign for 26 organisations to work together, with a new hope to make Yorkshire a better place, by having fun and raising £1,000 throughout October as a team or by making a kind organisation donation of £1,000.

“2020 has been really hard for the charity in lots of ways but we continue to remain positive and support our beneficiaries. We now urgently need help from 26 Yorkshire organisations who can raise funds for us independently or as teams to help us reach our £26,000 target throughout October.

“We won’t allow vulnerable children and families to miss out on the opportunity of a free respite break which could be life changing for so many of them.”

The charity has put together a fundraising pack for any organisations interested in taking part, with several suggestions of how the money can be raised including running, walking or jogging for 26 minutes, 26 hours, or 26km, or baking cakes and selling them to friends or work colleagues. Those taking part will be invited to join a virtual celebration on October 29.

To find out more, email: Lauren.Fisher@theprincipletrust.co.uk