Supporting charities through a marathon challenge

 

On the 4th October, 45,000 people will take to their local parks and pavements to run 26.2 miles as part of a very different London Marathon, organised by our wonderful partners at Virgin Money Giving. We’re proud to be supporting this innovative virtual event that will help charities just as they need it most.
 

London Marathon is going virtual!

This year, the London Marathon is going virtual. There will be no cheering crowds, motivating runners to push through the pain and reach the finish line. No charity representatives shouting messages of support to their runners from the sidelines as they undertake what, for many, will be the biggest challenge of their lives. A marathon is hard enough – but tackling it solo? Make no mistake, the 40th Race will likely be the toughest one ever. But the innovation to go virtual with the London Marathon couldn’t have come at a better time.
 

Mass participation fundraising events raise a staggering £143 million for UK charities every year – and none raises more than this iconic event. Last year, the London Marathon raised over £66 million in sponsorship for good causes. As the country entered lockdown, it seemed as though these vital funds would be lost – just as charities and the people who rely on their services need them most.
 

There is no denying 2020 has been seriously challenging for most of us. But let’s get serious for a moment. For many, the impact goes way beyond inconvenience. Over 70% of charities have reported sharp increases in demand for their services – with people in desperate need of the lifelines their services they provide. But the pandemic has slashed charity income by half. So, whilst this may be the toughest Marathon for those taking part, it’s certainly the most important for the charities who rely on the income it generates.
 

At Ziffit HQ, we love to do our bit to help charities – and we’re calling on our Ziffiters to show their support. Our partnership with Virgin Money Giving is the perfect way for you to send a ‘virtual cheer’ to this year’s runners and help them reach their sponsorship target.
 

Show your support

We launched our partnership with Virgin Money Giving value in April, at the height of the pandemic. You may know that you can donate the value of your trades at checkout for a charity of your choice – but you can also donate the value of your trades to fundraisers to help them reach their sponsorship goal!

Every fundraiser with a Virgin Money Giving sponsorship page has their own individual Ziffit link, that will take you directly to our site and you can boost their sponsorship target using the value of your unwanted books and media.

Below, we’ve linked to some awesome fundraisers who are running for some amazing causes for their own personal reasons. Each has a story to tell and their own motivation for taking to the streets and pushing their body to the limits to help charities continue their vital work in the face during these tough times.
 

Mikey Brian – Fight for Sight

Mikey is dedicating his virtual marathon to his good friend Laura. Ten years ago, Laura was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition that affects her central vision. Eventually, without a treatment breakthrough, it will lead her to blindness.
 

“Laura is an inspiring woman, mother, music producer and DJ – amongst many other things. She’s a symbol of resilience – continuing to adapt to her situation, positively power through her life and strive both professionally and personally. All donations I receive through your trades will go directly to Fight for Sight to aid invaluable stem cell research that could help Laura – and a great many others.”
 

MIKEY’S FUNDRAISING PAGE

 

Shaun Wildgoose – Dogs Trust

Shaun isn’t just running one virtual marathon – he’s running two! Oh – and a few of half marathons in the weeks leading up to the big one. That’s quite a warm-up! And if that wasn’t enough, he’ll be doing it in a full dog-costume!
 

“When I left the army, I found a new home just up the road from a Dogs Trust centre. The charity has always been close to my heart and I started volunteering, walking dogs and cleaning kennels. Eventually, we started fostering dogs as a family and ended up caring for one we couldn’t let go. After having such a tough start in life before he came to Dogs Trust, he became one of our family. It’s essential that their services continue to support dogs and promote their welfare.”
 

SHAUN’S FUNDRAISING PAGE

 

Whether you know somebody running the London Marathon or not, now is the perfect time to show your support. It could be just the motivation they need this year.

 

Find out more about our VMG partnership and donate the value of your trade to a cause close to your heart.