Hi, I’m Lesley and am a retired police officer. I started running when I was 16 years but moved on to other sports and activities when I hit 20 and didn’t return to running until much later in life. I always love to try new things and love the challenge this brings and although I have been a keen hill walker for years, I decided when I hit 40 to try rock climbing and mountaineering and was lucky enough to do this in the Alps, North Africa and Peru which was unbelievable.
When I started to run again in 2018 it was to do my first ever 10K and I didn’t even consider anything further than that, however I got the bug and did my first half marathon in May 2019, aged 52. I have now completed four half marathons and various trail races, most of which have been for charity and am so excited to have gained a place with VICTA to run my first ever marathon!!
My nephew Isaac has albinism, therefore it is a cause close to my heart. Isaac’s mum, Katie, my sister-in-law has secured a charity place, it’s a great bucket list experience to train and fundraise together.
& I’m Katie, I work in education in Glasgow. I wanted to raise funds for a charity that could support him and to show him that anything is possible. He is my inspiration.
What were the steps you had to take to organise this event?
We decided to host an afternoon tea for friends at my husband’s golf club for approximately 40 people and priced the tickets at £25 which included sandwiches, cakes and a glass of Prosecco. The golf club kindly offered us the use of the facilities for free and charged a small fee for the food and provided six bottles of Prosecco for free.
We designed an invitation and sent it out over social media and WhatsApp.
We then approached shops, beauty salons, and other companies and asked if they would give a donation to the charity or a prize for the raffle and provided them with the confirmation letter and details of the charity. This resulted in us receiving fantastic prizes such as a whiskey tasting evening for 10 people, and a Michael Bublé tribute night for four with dinner included. We also reached out to family and friends for raffle prizes which we then wrapped in clear bags with multi coloured ribbons to promote VICTA’s colours.
A friend provided 50 cupcakes decorated with VICTA colours which we then sold at the event – there were none left within 30 minutes of the event starting 😊
A couple of friends kindly made tablet for us, and we filled small bags with ribbon and a rainbow tie pin and provided this to all guests for them to take away.
What was the highlight of the event for you?
All the support we received before the event and during it when people were extremely generous in their donations and the amount they spent on raffle tickets. And also making people more aware of the charity as many had not heard of it before.
Were there any challenges you faced along the way?
Not really, just trying to coordinate everything.
Would you organise an event like this again and would you recommend this to others?
Yes, and would definitely recommend to others to do it. Katie and I are holding a further event in March.
What was the total amount raised for blind and partially sighted young people at this event?
We raised just over £1,200 after any expenses.
Congratulations to Lesley and Katie on such a wonderful afternoon tea success! If you would like any help with your fundraising for VICTA or have a story to share, drop us an email at fundraising@victa.org.uk.
Leave A Comment