By Jess Paine (Fundraising & Events Officer)
The London Marathon is the world’s largest single-day fundraising event, raising nearly £90 million for charities and boasting a record-breaking 1,133,813 ballot applications this year. With an incredible 59,000 runners at last weekend’s event – and multiple world records broken – it was inspiring to see so many people take part, and equally as wonderful to see the crowds of supporters cheering everybody on.
Part of the reason the London Marathon is such a successful fundraising event is that it is undeniably, and rather off-puttingly, challenging. For a lot of people, the gruelling thought of slogging through over 42 kilometres is naturally quite unpleasant.
Perhaps it is this testament of struggle that makes donating feel all the more worthwhile; knowing that the person undertaking this remarkable feat is doing so not purely for personal ambition, but in the hope that their efforts might draw attention to a cause they deem important. To subject oneself to an average of four and a half hours of tremendous effort must mean something, after all.
For many, it sparks respect and admiration, but also curiosity about important causes, personal journeys, and the motivations that keep these lovely lunatics pushing on. If they care so much to do it, surely it must be worth supporting.
Of course, not all fundraisers are tribulations – they can often be quite fun! I’ve seen memorial football matches filled with joy, eaten at bake sales that made my mouth water, and attended events with some of the best live music I’ve ever witnessed. All the while, beneath the enjoyment, there is an underlying message I love to endorse: giving does not always have to mean suffering. It can be painless or even pleasant. The reward of recognising your own impact, the joy of contributing to something meaningful, and the added value that brings are all to be celebrated.
Selfishly, I really enjoy fundraising – and our supporters do too.
For instance, Mark will be skydiving this May with his friends in memory of his brother, Mikee. Perhaps Mark isn’t the best example, as he is terrified of heights, but we’ll continue…
Howard Wards Associates are preparing for their Team Tough Mudder in July, having chosen Harmless and The Tomorrow Project as their corporate charity partners for the year.
The mighty Frankie Millar will be embarking on his kayak journey around the coast of Ireland this year. Ross Harris will be hosting another live music day in Burton Joyce on 15th August, showcasing excellent local artists and raising money for our life-saving service.
We also have 20 runners currently training for the Robin Hood Half Marathon this September, supported by a host of generous donors cheering them on.
There are so many more to mention who are undertaking both ordinary and extraordinary fundraising activities in support of our service. Fundraising can be deeply personal – sometimes a courageous, momentous feat, and sometimes simply an activity shared amongst friends.
Thank you to everyone who has chosen to support Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. Every penny you raise saves lives.
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60% of Robin Hood Half Marathon places are now sold. If you would like to run with Harmless and The Tomorrow Project, we have discounted tickets available and would love you to join our team. Please email jessica.paine@harmless.org.uk for more information and to register your charity ticket. You can also find out more about joining #TeamHarmless via the button below.
