Fundraiser of the Month: James

What’s the fundraising challenge you set yourself and why? 

It is call “the Through Route’ – a continuous traverse ‘through’ the UK and Ireland by kayak.

How much money have you raised so far?

I’m thrilled to say I’ve raised £3750 + gift aid, totalling around £4300. My target is £5000.

Why did you decide to fundraise for Children with Cancer UK?

I have a long-term relationship with the charity, having been associated with Children with Cancer UK for over 10 years, via my company, Rat Race. They are a well-established and highly credible charity and they understand endurance and adventure challenges implicitly, too. It is a privilege to support them on a personal basis in this challenge also.

How’s your challenge going? If it’s completed – how did you find it?

I completed my challenge a couple of days ago. To a great degree, it went well. I had to adapt certain parts due to the weather, which for those living in many parts of the UK and Ireland will know that it has been very unsettled this June!

There were a couple of epics when things didn’t go quite according to plan– there always are with such undertakings. I was amazed by the kindness of strangers – both in their acts towards myself and also in their willingness to give to the cause too. On several occasions, I was handed money for the fundraising or folks went online, found my justgiving page and donated. This was truly heart-warming.

What would you say to anyone else who is considering taking on a fundraising challenge? 

Be realistic on what you think you are going to be able to achieve. Set a sensible fundraising target and don’t be afraid to ask for donations: People like to get behind people doing interesting things for good causes. Above all, remember that you have done the hard work in getting to the start line. You should feel proud that you are setting out and attempting something in the first place. Then embrace the way it all unfolds. Some of what happens once it is underway might be unexpected, it may not go according to plan, (things rarely stay on Plan A forever), if that happens, adapt, enjoy the process, accept that it is all part of the story and just keep moving forward!

By taking on this challenge James has raised an amazing £4,300.00 for Children with Cancer UK’s work, which will help us invest in more life-saving childhood cancer research. We’d like to say a huge thank you for your support – it is only thanks to supporters like you that we can continue our work. If you would like to raise money in aid of Children with Cancer UK, we’ll help you every step of the way.  Start fundraising today