Taking part in an event (a4).pub

Taking part in an event
Some hints and tips for fundraisers
NASS
Unit 0.2
One Victoria Villas
Richmond
Surrey TW9 2GW
www.nass.co.uk
[email protected]
020 8948 9117
RCN: 272258. SC: 041347
Welcome
to the team!
Thank you so much for
choosing to take part in a
sponsored event for
NASS. We are very
grateful for your support.
Here are some hints and
tips to get you started in
fundraising and training.
Setting up an online
fundraising page
This is very easy to do. NASS is
registered with both Just Giving
(www.justgiving.co.uk) and Virgin
Money Giving
(www.virginmoneygiving.com) so you
can sign up to either.
Starting off your
fundraising
General tips:
Set yourself a target to give you
something to aim for
Get a generous sponsor to give
first to encourage others to be just
as generous
Take every opportunity to tell
everyone what you are doing and
why you're doing it
If possible get people to donate
straight away rather than pledge –
this will save you having to collect
money and chase people up after
the event
Ask everyone you know – the
worst they can say is no
Allow yourself plenty of time to
reach your target
Encourage the person sponsoring
you to tick the Gift Aid box – if they
are a UK tax payer it means an
extra 25p to NASS
for every £1 they
donate at no extra
cost to them.
And if you’re using a
fundraising page:
Tell a story and make it personal
Add photos to your page
Email your page link to your
friends, family, work colleagues,
and ask them to pass it on to all
their contacts. You will be amazed
how generous people are
Add your link to your e-mail
signature
Use social media sites such as
Facebook and Twitter to reach a
larger audience
Keep reminding people what you're
doing - especially around pay day
Get creative!
If you don’t like asking your friends and family for sponsorship or you
think that they may be tired of sponsoring people, there are a few things
you can do to make it a bit more interesting for them.
For example you could ask people to sponsor you based on you finishing
in a certain time or have a list of times (or whatever is relevant to your
event) and ask people to guess which one is correct – and offer a prize
for the winner.
Training Advice
Whatever event you are planning
to take part in, you will need to
make sure that you have done the
appropriate training and have the
right equipment. The main factor
is to choose a plan that fits in with
your needs and lifestyle. You
should also consult your doctor
before starting any new training
programme. Turn over for a brief
guide and some useful links to get
you started.
Swimming events
Swimming is a great form of allround exercise. It's ideal if you
want to be more active and stay
healthy, whatever your age or
ability. It is also very beneficial to
people with AS, but you must
make sure you use the correct
stroke. Please go to the NASS
website www.nass.co.uk/exercise/
exercise-for-your-as/swimming/ to
get more information on this. For
information on training, NHS
Choices has information for beginners and you might also want to
look at the Great Swim website.
Tips:
If you plan to do an open water
swim make sure you train in open
water in your wetsuit to get yourself acclimatised.
Wear goggles to protect your
eyes.
If you are planning to wear a wetsuit get a specialist swimming wetsuit as they are designed for the
mobility required for swimming.
Swimming caps will help to keep
your head warm, especially in
open water swims. The swim organiser will usually tell you which
cap to wear.
Running events
Whatever distance you are
planning to take on, running
plans can be found for them all.
If this is your first attempt at a
running event, a good place to
start is on Running World or the
NHS Choices
website. There are also
numerous running clubs around
the country with groups aimed
at all levels of ability. Running
is not usually recommended for
people with AS but some people
are able to run comfortably. If
you have AS and will be running
it is important that you discuss
this with your physiotherapist
during your individual
assessment.
Tips:
Make sure you have a decent
pair of running shoes – this is
the most essential bit of kit.
Synthetic fabrics in socks
provide warmth but draw
moisture away from the skin.
Look out for socks with blisterresistant technology and
cushioning.
Women should invest in a good
sports bra. Whatever size you
are, you must make sure you
are properly supported. It is
usually best to buy these from a
sports shop rather than a
clothes shop.
Men and women should think
about chafing. This is no
something you want to
experience during your run so
apply a product like Vaseline or
a specialist running product
before a long run.
Cycling events
Cycling is a great way to keep fit
and active as well as being
liberating. If you are planning on
taking part in a cycling event it is
essential that you follow a
balanced training programme with
plenty of rest time between
sessions. If you have AS, there
are some tips that you will find
useful which can be found on our
website.
Tips:
Make sure you have a bike that is
the correct size for you. A
specialist cycling shop should be
able to help you to find the frame
to suit you.
When you’re buying a helmet
check that it fits you properly as
an ill fitting helmet will not be as
effective in an accident.
There are lots of different types of
footwear you could use – ordinary
trainers, elasticised laces and
cycling shoes that attach to pedals
are all good in their own way.
A white front light and a red rear
light are a legal requirement for
riding in the dark. You will be able
to get these from any cycling
shop.
Reflective clothing is a must.
What NASS does & why support us
NASS is the only registered charity dedicated to
the needs of people affected by ankylosing
spondylitis (AS) in the UK.
Since 1976 NASS has played a crucial role in providing accurate and up to date information allowing people with AS to have a greater understanding of their disease and in turn, make more informed choices in the management of their symptoms. We:
• Respond to daily requests for advice and infor-
mation by telephone, email and letter on a wide
range of topics
• Produce a variety of resources
• Provide regular supervised hydrotherapy and
physiotherapy sessions through our branches
• Keep people up to date with the latest develop-
ments in treatment of AS via the website, email
alerts, monthly e-newsletters and our bi-annual
newsletter
• Act on behalf of people with AS working alongside the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence (NICE), health service providers and
policy makers in raising the profile of AS and, in
particular, the need for earlier diagnosis and
access to appropriate care
• Actively encourage participation into research
into the cause, genetics, treatment and man-
Useful websites
www.runnersworld.co.uk
www.greatswim.org
www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com
www.bike-events.com
www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com
www.nhs.uk
Don’t forget to visit our website for specific
advice and information on exercising with AS.
If you need any additional information or
materials email Jill on [email protected]
or call on 020 8948 9117.