How Your ''Why'' Fuels Fundraising, Mental Health and Motivation: With Paul Courtney

4 days ago
3 min read

Running and fundraising often go hand in hand — but for some people, the connection goes far deeper than miles and money. In a recent conversation on the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Paul Courtney, Director of Fundraising at Children’s Hospice South West, shared powerful insights into how running intersects with purpose, wellbeing, and human connection. His journey reveals lessons not just for charity runners, but for anyone looking to stay motivated, raise funds effectively, and rediscover their “why.”

Paul Courtney in a green shirt participates in the Bath Half, . Others follow, with a cheering crowd on the sidewalk. Historic buildings line the street.

HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Paul’s story begins with a simple principle:

“I’ve always had this principle in life that I should never ask somebody to do something that I’m not prepared to do myself.”

That belief pushed him from encouraging fundraisers on the sidelines to running alongside them. Over the years, he’s completed many 10Ks and half marathons, often while fundraising himself.

This dual perspective gives him rare insight into both sides of charity running:

The physical challenge runners face
The emotional motivation behind fundraising
The importance of truly understanding supporters

For Paul, running isn’t just exercise — it’s empathy in action.

The First Race: When Life Gets in the Way

Like many runners, Paul’s first half marathon didn’t go exactly to plan. His training collided with sleepless nights after the birth of his first child — a reminder that real life rarely fits neatly around training schedules. But that imperfect race sparked something bigger.

Instead of focusing on finish-line glory, Paul discovered something more lasting:

“Running had suddenly become a really important part of my week… it was physically exerting, but it was mentally restorative.”

This is one of the most overlooked benefits of running — not just fitness, but mental clarity, stress relief, and routine.

How your 'why' fuels fundraising

For Paul, the single biggest motivator in running — especially charity running — is purpose.

Every runner has a reason, whether it’s fitness, personal challenge, or something deeply emotional. But when running for charity, the “why” often becomes profoundly personal. How does your 'why' fuel your fundraising?

“There has got to be something that goes beyond myself… that I really, passionately believe in.”

Paul regularly supports families running in memory of loved ones — and he’s seen firsthand how transformative the experience can be. For some, training and racing become part of healing, providing focus, meaning, and community during difficult times.

Fundraising Success: There’s No Magic Formula

After years in fundraising, Paul says there’s no single trick that guarantees success — but there are consistent patterns among effective charity runners.

1. Consistency Matters More Than Creativity

Regular updates and visibility keep supporters engaged.

2. Make It Fun and Personal

People connect with authenticity — not polished perfection.

3. Break Big Targets Into Smaller Goals

A yearly fundraising target becomes far less intimidating when divided into manageable

milestones.

4. Celebrate Supporters

Acknowledging donors strengthens relationships and encourages continued support.

The Mental Health Benefits of Running

One of the strongest themes from Paul’s experience is how running supports emotional wellbeing. Whether someone is coping with grief, stress, or everyday life pressures, running provides:

Structure and routine
Time for reflection
A sense of progress and control
Community and connection

In some cases, Paul has even heard runners say their training journey helped them survive their hardest moments — a testament to the deeper impact of the sport.

Why Purpose Makes Runners Stronger

At mile 20 of a marathon — or mile 10 of a half — motivation fades unless there’s something deeper driving you forward. That’s why charity runners often demonstrate extraordinary resilience: they’re running for something bigger than themselves. When runners connect emotionally to their cause, fundraising becomes easier, training feels more meaningful, and finishing feels transformative.