Our News

How raising sponsorship is helping me stay in shape

17 July 2008

Alison McCants has never run any formal run before, so she was somewhat daunted about signing up for a charity running event.  Here she describes how raising sponsorship is helping to spur her on in her training.

“I’ve always wanted to be one of those runners making laps around the park but struggle to motivate myself, especially after a long day at work or on a Sunday morning.  I thought Sue Ryder Care’s Beat the Baton 5K would be perfect for me because it’s different and unique and sounds like a lot of fun.  I also thought that if I could bite the bullet and register, there’d be no way out for me!

“But I was also really nervous about being able to raise the minimum £200.  I’m relatively new to London, having emigrated from the US about 18 months ago.  I don’t really know a lot of people and I was nervous about asking my friends, family, and colleagues for money.

“What was important for me was to remember that I wasn’t asking for money for myself; I’m raising money for people who are seriously ill so they can have the kind of specialist care and compassion that I’d want if it were me.  As soon as I got that in my head, raising the money was easy.

“I think the best part about starting to raise my money, though, is how good it feels.  I feel like there’s a real purpose to my fitness routine, which spurs me on and keeps me going through rain or shine.  And when I’m jogging and I start to feel tired and fatigue, I picture my justgiving page with all the support and comments and I’m able to power through and keep going.  It’s a fantastic motivator, both making a real difference in people’s lives by supporting the charity, and getting the support from my loved ones as well.”

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to set up your own justgiving page at www.justgiving.com.  This easy and secure way of getting donations online takes all the hassle out.  Who knows – maybe you’ll find your fundraising will help you train!

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