Fundraising Case Studies

Top fundraisers share their secrets… Creativity, determination, and starting early are the keys to successful fundraising. This fantastic London Marathon 2009 runner breaks down exactly how he went about his fundraising to show you how it’s done. Feel free to pinch his ideas!

Andy, a Tesco’s Manager from Warwickshire, has been running the London Marathon for Whizz-Kidz since 1999.  After 11 times relying on friends and colleagues for sponsorship, he found it had become a bit “same old same old”. So a couple of years ago, Andy got together with his employer to organise the Tesco Treadmill Marathon.  This was hugely successful and continued to inspire the general public in 2009. Read on to find out more…

Interview with Andy

How much did you raise from the 2009 London Marathon?

This year I will have raised in excess of £1200 in cash and Tesco, my employer, do a 20% top up to help me reach the target again.

How did you go about your fundraising? Tell us about your Tesco’s event.

Fundraising was in three parts. Firstly, the Tesco Treadmill Marathon. This was the major part of my fundraising and has become a bit of an annual event. Essentially, I borrow a treadmill from my local gym, set it up in the foyer of the Tesco where I am a Manager, put donation buckets around me, step on and spend the next 5 hours or so running a marathon.  I put posters around and speak to people as they walk in.  On a busy Saturday morning, this year we raised over £1000 on the day.

Secondly, I got my friends and colleagues to sponsor me.  DON’T BE SHY, ask everyone. This year I put up a display with commentary to raise interest and awareness. This raised a few hundred pounds.

Thirdly, I set up an online sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com. This wasn’t great for me but I don’t use Facebook or Twitter so it wasn’t quite my environment.  I know others who have done really well using justgiving though.

Who did you get involved with your Tesco’s event? (e.g. any matched funding; local media; etc?)

I got my employer Tesco involved as they top up any charity donation by 20%.  I also borrowed the treadmill from Virgin, my local gym.  I always get the local press involved – they are always happy to do a piece on the treadmill event and the Marathon itself (just be prepared for the strange poses!).

I’ve even had the event started by the local MP and one of the Whizz-Kidz ambassadors which is great for the papers and photos.

When did you begin your fundraising?

I always plan the treadmill event and start fundraising ASAP so as not to be under pressure when the training is at its hardest.

What was your biggest surprise from your fundraising?

The biggest surprise for me this year was that people are still willing to give, even when under financial pressure that is out there at the moment. The treadmill event being surprisingly as successful as it has been previously took the pressure off.

What would be your top fundraising tip for future Whizz-Kidz marathon runners?

My top tip would be start fundraising ASAP and DON’T BE SHY.

What was the highlight of your Whizz-Kidz London Marathon experience?

Marathon day this year was special for me because I met up with my girlfriend Debbie, who was on a different start, at mile 4 and we ran together, crossing the line in 4 hrs 51.  My slowest and best London Marathon.  What was really special was seeing the Whizz-Kidz kids in their chairs cheering us on on the Embankment.

Would I do the Marathon again for Whizz-Kidz?

Try stopping me!

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