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Animal charities urge supporters to join 2.6 challenge
The 2.6 challenge comes amidst the cancellation of thousands of charity events and fundraising activities.
Initiative to help fill the fundraising gap left by the COVID-19 pandemic

Animal charities across the UK are calling on supporters to join the 2.6 challenge to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RSPCA, Support Dogs, Worldwide Veterinary Service and Wild Welfare and just some of the animal organisations urging people to get involved in the initiative, which encourages fundraising activities based around the number 26 or 2.6.

The week-long challenge kicks off on Sunday, 26 April, when the London Marathon would have held its 40th event. In 2019, the Marathon raised over £66.4m for charity and is a vital source of income for many animal organisations.

It comes amidst the cancellation of thousands of charity events and loss of income through fundraising initiatives. Without this finding, many charities have had no option but to reduce or stop services altogether, and many may not survive the coming months.

Participants are being urged to get involved in the 2.6 challenge in any way they choose, be that dancing to 26 songs in a row or running 2.6 miles as part of their daily exercise. There are lots of fun and creative ideas listed on the 2.6 challenge website, as well as from the charities that are involved.

Once a challenge has been selected, participants are encouraged to visit the 2.6 challenge JustGiving page, select their chosen charity and make a donation. They can then spread the word to their friends and family under the official hashtag  #TwoPointSixChallenge.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.