Shane took on his first ever Marathon last month and he did it to raise money for CHSF!
Shane completed the Manchester Marathon to support his friends Dan & Lisa Taylor whose daughter Emillie was born with CHD and has had 14 heart surgeries.
We spoke to Shane and asked him a few questions about his challenge…
Shane, why did you choose to fundraise for CHSF?
“I had signed up to do my first marathon, but I was running out of motivation during the training and I knew I needed a ‘cause’ to focus on to push me through the difficult moments.
“For many years during university reunions I had discussed raising money for one of my best friends, Dan, who had been through a very tough time with his daughter when she was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at their 20-week scan.
“When I asked him if there was a charity that he would like me to raise money for, he suggested Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as they had been an amazing support to their family.”
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1. Shane with Dan and Lisa on the day of the Manchester Marathon 2. Shane, Dan and friends from University 3. Emillie as a baby, after just one of her first major heart operations. 4. Emillie last year, in hospital after her most recent open heart surgery with dad, Dan.
Is there any advice you would give to other fundraisers?
“Stop thinking about it and just do it!
“It is the most rewarding and special journey you will go on, as you receive messages of support from the most random of places. We received donations from people that I haven’t seen in 20+ years, and even from individuals that worked for rival firms – but they have a connection and they wanted to support the cause – it really is an uplifting experience.
“The other tip I might add, is don’t be embarrassed to keep asking for donations – I did a series of videos (which I wasn’t particularly comfortable with), that I thought might start to irritate people as I was regularly posting on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
“But each time I thought I may have exhausted the amount I could raise… even more donations came in, with more messages of support and encouragement!”
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1. Shane and Emillie 2. Fundraising Officer Keely met with Shane, Dan and Emillie for a cheque presentation at Emillie’s school 3. Emillie and mum Lisa with a ‘thank you’ certificate from CHSF. 4. Shane proudly showing his marathon medal. 5. Emillie with the ‘big cheque’.
Is there anything else you would like to add or say about CHSF?
“I knew nothing about Children’s Heart Surgery Fund when we started this journey, but I feel particularly close to them now – the support and guidance they provided throughout this experience is brilliant.
“I know there are more people behind the scenes, but from my perspective Keely (Fundraising Officer) was always available to support with advice. When we asked for help with ideas on how to really promote this to get the best response, we were introduced to Andy, who again was brilliant and knew exactly how to push the fundraising. We said we were ok to do a video where Dan would explain Emillie’s story and Olivia helped us make a fantastic video that worked really well in conveying the story and the emotion.
Even though CHSF are a relatively small charity, they have some great people that are very professional – you will be in good hands and I would definitely encourage any readers to raise money for CHSF!”
CHSF Fundraising Officer Keely said:
“Shane’s determination to complete the marathon and hit his fundraising target is inspirational. It has been a pleasure to support Shane on his fundraising journey. He has raised an absolutely phenomenal £11,475 for our heart unit, patients and families!”
Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own for CHSF? Check out our events page or contact the team to chat through some ideas info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810
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