Interview with fundraiser Anne Thompson
Anne and her family have raised over £8,000 for the MS Trust since 2001, when her husband Jim ran the Great North Run for us. Anne regularly sends in donations from greetings cards sales, quizzes, coffee mornings, raffles and more.
Why did you first get involved in fundraising for the MS Trust?
“My son Stephen was diagnosed with MS at the age of 20, after suffering minor symptoms since he was 12 years old. By the age of 25 he had secondary progressive MS and was confined to a wheelchair. He is now 30 years old and I do all I can to help this terrific organisation which helps not only with the research into MS but with information for all associated with it.”
What has been your most successful fundraising event/scheme so far?
“It has got to be my home crafted cards. Although it does not bring in large lump sums of money as some sponsorship projects do, it is a steady earner. No matter what time of year it is everyone needs greetings cards.”
What do you enjoy most about fundraising?
“I enjoy my crafting more than anything, as it is my main hobby. It gives me an opportunity to relax and gives me a sense of achievement to see the £’s rolling in for the cause.”
Have you found that friends and family want to get involved with your fundraising?
“Yes, as it is a sort of family crusade for Stephen, I have received tremendous support over the years. They have provided raffle prizes and sponsorship for many projects as diverse as Easter Egg Tombolas, to my husband’s open water swims in the waters of the Islands of the Inner Hebrides.
“My work colleagues have also been generous and have supported me through 5 years of quizzes, card selling and raffles galore. One colleague is doing the Great North Run for the third year running, having raised over £2,000 already in the past 2 years. My sister-in-law has raised over £500 by getting her local pub to donate from 2 charity quiz nights, and so the list goes on.”
What has surprised you most during your fundraising endeavours?
“People’s generosity.”
What have you found to be the most challenging thing about fundraising?
“Making the initial approach asking for cash. Thinking of original ideas for new fundraising projects.”
How have the MS Trust supported your fundraising efforts?
“The MS Trust have always supported me by sending me information, posters, leaflets and many decorative things to enhance my coffee mornings and events. They have also sent me useful leaflets with suggestions for fundraising when I have run out of ideas.”
Do you have any suggestions for easy ways in which people can start to raise money?
“Coffee mornings with a small tombola or stall can be a good starting point. They can be held within groups where you are already a member, or at work if you can get permission. Even coffee mornings at home can be productive as friends and family can show their support and feel as if they are contributing.
“Big events can take a lot of organising, so start small and build with experience. One thing I wanted to try this year was a wedding dress party. The idea was tried for another charity and was a hit. They have turned it into an annual event, where many once-used wedding dresses come out of the closet for a charity ball or just a ‘wear your wedding dress’ night.”
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to fundraise?
“Once again I would say start small, invite friends and family to a small fundraising party and build from there. Once you gain confidence, then ideas will flow. Ask for help from the Trust, and steal ideas from anyone! Remember, most people want to help, and they are just waiting to be asked.”
Anything else to add?
“Never give up. We will beat this terrible disease. All the big cancer charities get lots of funding; MS depends on us.”
Make a Difference
You can find further inspirational fundraising ideas in the latest issue of Make a Difference - the MS Trust's fundraising newsletter and e-newsletter! Find out more
