An interview with inspiring fundraisers David Wood and Simon Painter, founders of the fundraising group 'Ragabonds'

What is your biggest fundraising achievement so far?

DW – I’ve done lots of things and so it’s hard to identify just one. I’ve run a few marathons, done a 55 mile walk, with blisters. We also received an award from Just Giving for our ‘jail break’.

SP – We created a group of fundraisers in the Ragabonds www.ragabonds.org.uk who are now close to raising half a million pounds. We are so very pleased and proud of everyone’s achievements.

Our jail break last year was another highlight. We had to get as far away from Manchester as possible, and we ended up in Uganda.

Where do you get your inspiration for the fundraising that you do?

DW – I’m always up for an adventure. I have a passion to do good and think this is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world.

Alice Halstead is a particular inspiration. She was diagnosed with a unique form of diabetes which means that her antibodies attack her own insulin. Alice is based in hospital yet has raised £27,500 for her charity Rays of Sunshine. www.sunshineappeal.org.uk

SP – Partly my competitive nature.Dave and I have a massive ongoing competition all the time. We are always trying to come up with ideas to outdo each other.

What are your ‘top tips’ for other volunteer fundraisers?

DW – Publicity is good. Use a website which you can easily direct people to, such as Just Giving. It is easy to fundraise online, if you come up with good ideas. Also, it’s important to remember that lots of small things all add up – for instance, selling fun bags of chocolates each day at work.

SP - Do something you enjoy. It doesn’t feel like a chore if your fundraising becomes part of your social scene.

Also, do something unusual.This also helps to overcome ‘donor fatigue’ amongst your family and friends. Try varying the amount of money you ask people for as well. We had an online ‘beard debate’ www.justgiving.com/bearddebate which raised £1,600.

What is your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

DW - The toughest was my 55 mile walk. This was non-stop, which meant I needed to walk through the night. Sometimes it can be hard persevering with the Three Peaks Challenge and running a marathon but I didn’t give up; you don’t want to let your sponsors down.If you encounter problems, just change your timeframe and carry on.

SP - Probably trying to keep a group of 30 competitive volunteer fundraisers happy and focused on their fundraising. We have gained new like-minded people along the way as part of the Ragabonds. Everyone enjoys what we do and actively wants to be involved.

I have always done things I enjoy. I have not opted for bungee jumps because I am scared of heights.

How do you fit the day job in?

DW - I am generally very busy. For things like training for marathons, it is time consuming but you do set aside the time. If it’s important enough, you’ll make time for it. Make sure you don’t neglect the other aspects of your life, such as family and friends, though.

SP - I work in IT and work different hours so it is possible to take time off for activities like the ‘jail break’. Fortunately, colleagues have sponsored me too.