Gainsborough-based mental health and suicide prevention charity the Bearded Fishermenhas partnered with Gainsborough Trinity Foundation to raise funds for the Trinity Community Kitchen.

Based at Roses Sports Ground in Gainsborough, the Trinity Community Kitchen is a brand new initiative to provide essential meals for those in need in Lincolnshire during the coronavirus crisis.

It will provide a range of hot and cold meals for those who are unable to cook, do not have access to cooking facilities or who are financially unable to provide for themselves as a result of the coronavirus.

In a bid to continue supporting vulnerable members of the local community, both charities are urging people to get involved in The 2.6 Challenge – a national campaign to help raise funds for charities whose funding has been impacted during the crisis.

The challenge is intended to replace this year’s London Marathon which should have taken place on Sunday 26^th April. The cancellation of the event has inspired people to create their own athletic activities based around the numbers 2.6 or 26, all while raising money through sponsorship and donations for UK charities and keeping fit.

Rick Roberts, co-founder of the Bearded Fishermen, said: “We’re urging people to help us reach our £5,000 fundraising target so that we can ensure people in our community do not go hungry while dealing with the emotional and physical impact that the coronavirus is having on their lives.

“In line with the current lockdown measures, most of us are getting out for our daily exercise allowance by walking the dog, running, jogging or even working out in the house or garden. So, we’re asking people to consider donating some money to our JustGiving page the next time they exercise. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Twitter!”

Damon Parkinson, Head of Operations at Gainsborough Trinity Foundation, said: “It goes without saying that during the current pandemic, local food banks are doing a fantastic job to provide food for those in need. However, we’re seeing more and more individuals struggling financially to afford meals, either because they can’t pay their gas and electricity bills to cook and prepare food, or because they don’t have the means to do so.

“The money we receive through donations will help to upgrade the kitchen’s facilities so it can be suitably used to cook and provide a range of hot and cold meals and cater for those with various dietary needs. If you can, please donate to this vital fund – no donation is too small.”

To donate to The Bearded Fishermen and Gainsborough Trinity Foundation’s joint JustGiving page, visit the website. 

To find out more about The 2.6 Challenge, visit the website
or follow the conversation on Twitter by searching #TwoPointSixChallenge.

For more information about the Bearded Fishermen, visit the charity’s Twitter or Facebook pages.