Coronavirus: Peterborough councillor’s 26 hour music marathon for city charity

Cllr Asif Shaheed, Liberal Democrat member for Paston and Walton, will be taking on the 2.6 challenge, a campaign launched to support struggling UK charities.

His DJ session will be live-streamed on Facebook to raise money for city-based charity SHINE (Spina bifida, Hydrocephalus, Information, Networking, Equality) which provides specialist support for people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus as well as to families, carers and professional care staff.

Cllr Shaheed’s music marathon begins at 9.05am on Sunday and over the course of the 26 hours people will be able to pay to request a song – but what they pay must have the numbers 2 and 6 included – so it could be £2.60 or £260!

As a lover of music and radio, he hopes the marathon will not just raise money and awareness for the charity but will provide fun and enjoyment for all those tuning in.

Cllr Shaheed said: “As one of SHINE’s fundraisers I wanted to do something to help the charity during these difficult times. We’ve had to put all fundraising on hold and prepare for when this is all over. It was a no-brainer for me to get involved in something which will help raise money for SHINE at a time when the charity needs it more than ever.

“The reason I chose this challenge is that I’ve met many of my circle of friends at various events because of our mutual love of music. What better way to get people involved than by asking them a few quid to hear a tune they love.

“Also, I’m set up at home so don’t need to step out of my house, therefore observing social distancing. It’s going to be a challenge going for 26 hours but I’m excited at the prospect and just love music! So far, I’ve had about 80 requests in the last 24 hours. There’s still plenty of time to go for people to get theirs in by visiting my JustGiving page.”

Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/asif-s-2-6-challenge.