Start Your Fundraising Early: With Clare Downes

In the world of charity running, few challenges are as daunting as meeting your fundraising target. In this podcast, we’ll explore how Clare Downes, an inspiring runner from Shrewsbury, running for the Scoliosis Support & Research charity, has not only met but exceeded her fundraising goal for the London Marathon. With practical tips, heartfelt motivation, and a successful fundraising event, Clare’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to raise money for a cause.

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• Understanding the Motivation Behind the Run:

Clare Downes is running the London Marathon for Scoliosis Research, motivated by her daughter’s experience with scoliosis—a condition characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Clare’s daughter is not only an athlete but also a testament to resilience, having competed for Great Britain and currently pursuing her dreams at Duke University in the US. Clare’s personal connection to the cause gives her a unique drive, stating, "If I can do my little bit to support her and other people with the condition, that’s the least I can do."

• Planning for Success

When Clare and her friend Sarah decided to tackle the marathon together, they faced the dual challenge of training and fundraising. Acknowledging the pressure of meeting their charity targets, they strategically planned their fundraising efforts early on. They set a target of £2,500 each but decided to aim higher, pledging £2,500 to Scoliosis Research to ensure they would not just meet but exceed expectations.

• Organising a Successful Fundraising Event:

To launch their fundraising efforts, Clare and Sarah organised a summer garden event. With a background in business and marketing, Clare was well-equipped to handle logistics. They reached out to local businesses for support, which proved invaluable. Clare explains, "We decided we'd do it in August because Sarah has a lovely garden, and we reached out to our friends, family, and local businesses for help."

The event featured bubbly, canapés, and a raffle, with local businesses donating prizes. Clare’s son and a friend ran the bar, charming guests as they sold drinks. The event attracted over a hundred attendees and raised just under £5,000, which they split between their two chosen charities. Clare reflects, "We were overwhelmed with the support and what we made in one night."

• Key Takeaways for Fundraising Success:

1. **Start Early:** By planning their event as soon as they secured their spots in July, Clare and Sarah relieved the pressure of fundraising later in their training.

2. **Leverage Local Support:** Engaging local businesses not only provided essential supplies for the event but also fostered community involvement.

3. **Keep Costs Low:** Clare emphasised minimising expenses to maximise profits. They only spent on essentials and relied on donations for supplies.

4. **Make Payment Easy:** Utilising card payment terminals allowed guests to contribute without worrying about cash, increasing overall donations.

5. **Share Your Story:** Authentic connections resonate with potential donors. Clare’s personal story and her daughter’s journey inspired many to support her cause.

• Conclusion

Clare Downes’ journey to raise funds for scoliosis research is a testament to the power of community, planning, and personal motivation. By organising a successful event, leveraging local resources, and sharing her heartfelt story, she has demonstrated that with the right approach, anyone can meet and exceed their fundraising goals. If you’re considering running for charity, take a page from Clare’s book and start planning your fundraising efforts today.

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