Horsham woman to spend 26.2 hours listening to Who Let The Dogs Out to support the RSPCA

Amy Ockleford, who works as a press officer at the RSPCA’s head office in Southwater, will listen to the song by Baha Men on repeat for 26.2 hours as part of the 2.6 Challenge.

The week-long challenge kicked off on Sunday, April 26, when the London Marathon would have held its 40th annual event, and asked participants to hold a fundraiser based around the number 2.6 or 26.

Amy said: “I’ll be listening to the song, on repeat, for 26.2 hours - which means it’ll play 435 times!

“I’m a dog lover and, working for the RSPCA, I see on a daily basis the incredible work our staff and volunteers do to help thousands of dogs, and other animals, every year.

“I really wanted to use the lockdown to do some good and felt it would be appropriate to take on a challenge that was crazy, dog-themed and home-based.

“I actually quite like this song - but I suspect it may begin to wear thin a few hours into the challenge!”

The 31-year-old was due to join the millions of other participants across the UK fundraising in The 2.6 Challenge on Sunday, April 26, but her unconventional marathon has been postponed to a later date following the death of her dog, Sammy.

Every year, the London Marathon raises more than £25,000 for the RSPCA and is a vital source of income for many charities.

The animal welfare charity is hoping others will take on The 2.6 Challenge to help lessen the impact of cancelled events on charities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “We’re asking you to take part in an activity of your choice based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to support the RSPCA (England and Wales). Whether you’re tackling 26 different animal themed yoga poses, running or walking 2.6 km in an animal onesie or playing catch the ball 26 times with your dog, we want your help to save the UK’s charities.

“As the Coronavirus crisis intensifies the RSPCA must continue to rescue and care for animals facing shocking cruelty and neglect. But our dedicated teams are being stretched to their limit, and the number of animals in our care is set to rise.

“The RSPCA is continuing to care for more than 4,000 animals during the Coronavirus pandemic. We have taken in more than 600 animals since the lockdown came into effect on March 23 and expect to take in many more over the coming weeks.

“The RSPCA is facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

“By taking on the 2.6 challenge, your support, big or small, could save an animal from suffering during this growing crisis. To find out more, please visit the RSPCA website for ideas and tips on how to help: www.rspca.org.uk/26challenge.”

To support Amy’s fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-s-2-6-challenge1321

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