I have always been a believer in making sure that any charity I am raising money for gets the full amount, not just something after expenses have been taken out. In the past, if there were costs to putting on an event then I paid. The ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 2012 was expensive with flights, accommodation and food (I eat a lot when I am cycling every day!). I was keen to avoid this kind of expense again.
The Team 14 Ironman wasn’t going to cost much I told myself: I have a bike and the kit that goes with it, I bought a seat pad for the rower and I have a tri-suit, what else do I need? As planning for the day became more detailed I realised that things like energy products for training and the event itself were going to mount up. Sports massage, leaflet design and protein supplements all cost money. It may sound unnecessary but to continue doing the volume of training injury-free and make the event a success, all these items are invaluable. And then there is marketing….
The list could be endless but I have spent time pairing things down and making sure I am getting best value for things I am buying.
Contemplating what the final bill might be, I had the idea of contacting the Wantage Round Table to see if they would be prepared to help with funding some of these items. I wasn’t sure if this was the kind of thing they looked at but thought it was worth a question to Mike Hannaby, Funding Committee Chairman. He was very receptive to the idea especially as Wantage Round Table have worked with the 14 Club in the past.
The proposal was discussed at a committee meeting and in less than a week, I had a payment from the Round Table sat in my bank account ready to meet some of the expenditure generated by the challenge. It felt like Christmas!
I have never been that good at asking other people to help me with things that I dream up but it does appear that there is interest out there and willingness to get involved. I am extremely grateful to Mike and the Round Table for helping to make Team 14 a success.
The Round Table is always looking for new members to continue with their good work, please take time to have a look at their website below and see what they are up to.
Further reading…..
If you liked this blog please take a moment to check out my book describing the solo Land’s End to John O’Groats ride in 2012, all profit from sales to www.criduchat.org.uk
Please click the cover image for the Kindle version or click here to order a paperback copy. Thank you!
