The fundraising challenge

Raise £2,100 in 5 months

I found ingenious ways of getting the necessary funds. The following are just some of my fundraising events. Thanks to all those who helped me organise these fun events and to those who supported me by turning up...... and of course thanks to everyone who has given me money!!

Head Shave - October 2002

Three very brave chaps volunteered to take part in a sponsored head shave, I plied them with alcohol so that they didn't lose their nerve and it was up to Emma to supply the steady hand and sharp razor! I bribed the spectators with an abundance of food and the evening raised £348.

Glasllwch Primary School - November 2002

The props

My children, Tess & Rose, attend this school and they weren't too embarrassed when I came along to Assembly one morning and talked to their school friends and teachers about supporting my Bike Ride! With just a few hints & props the children worked out that I was going to do a bike ride in a hot country, we then used a map to locate Egypt and to trace the path of the Nile. Several of the children had measured the perimeter of the school yard and they calculated that my 410 km bike ride was the equivalent of going round the edge of their yard 2442 times! This helped them (and me!) comprehend just how far I was going to cycle.

We then discussed the idea of fund raising and I asked them to help by paying £1 each to come to school on 29 November out of uniform. We talked about the important work Mencap does for children and adults with learning difficultlies and how funds are used to not only provide facilities and equipment but also to promote understanding of learning disabilities.

The children were understanding and enthusiastic about the non-uniform day and were keen to help out with the fund raising. They came up trumps and raised a total of £190 for my Nile Bike Ride Challenge. I would just like to say a huge THANK YOU to the children, their parents & the staff at the school for their contributions, encouragement and continued support.

Reamer at the Six Bells, Newport - December 2002

A good night was had by all as we danced the night away to the band in the pub's upstairs function room. Friends, colleagues and complete strangers looking for a good night out raised £203.

Jayne Thompsett's Keep Fit Class - December 2002

If wearing a leotard and leggings isn't enough, this lot donned silly hats for this sponsored keep fit class and raised £39.

Other events through November, December & January included:

• Jewellery Sales - £382
• Collections at the Patent Office & Threshers at Ridgeway - £41
• Other Donations - £223
• Jenny's Sponsored Slim - £50
• Christmas Pub Crawl - £222
• Christmas Raffle at the Patent Office - £88
• Donations in Christmas Cards - £220
• "Name the Tiger" at the Patent Office, Glasllwch Primary School & various friends & relatives - £117

Grand Total to Date £2123

Further donations can be made by phoning me on 01633 896724 or email pinknick@tesco.net