Jamie Markham, 32, from Birmingham, smashed his fundraising target for YouthNet when he ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon last month.
It was his first ever half marathon, and not only did he manage to complete the tough 13 mile course, he also raised over £1600 for the UK’s first virtual charity, YouthNet, which runs The Site.org and do-it.org.uk.
*And* he got 3 new runners on board for the charity, so counting their fundraising, he’s helped raise an impressive £3132.82 for a great cause.
YouthNet, which operates 100% online, was set up to “guide and support young people, enabling them to make educated life choices, participate in society and achieve their ambitions.” Their website TheSite.org aims to be the first place for young adults to turn when they need support and guidance through life.
Becca Lucas from YouthNet, who nominated Jamie, said:
“His constant enthusiasm and positive approach to the event has resulted in him surpassing the target by more than we could have hoped for…”
So how did he do it? We got in touch with Jamie to find out more and here’s what he had to say:
How did you decide to raise money for YouthNet?
I am a keen supporter of children’s charities, and YouthNet is a wonderful example of how the modern world can provide a modern solution for children and young people in need, at a level tailored to them in a format that they understand and respond to. I also needed to get fit – so the half marathon was the perfect opportunity!
You managed to beat your target – what tips can you pass on to other fundraisers?
Actually my approach was based around your Justgiving hints and tips! I asked the people I thought would be most generous to donate first, to get the ball rolling, then I emailed all the others. I set my target at £1K first and within a week I’d almost reached it, so I increased it to encourage people to carry on donating. I upped my target three or four more times after that.
I sent a follow-up email to remind people of the date of the run, and asked them to send my page on to their friends. A few people were uncomfortable giving online, so I offered to take their donation offline then made the payments myself online.
What was the furthest you’d ever run before the Royal Parks Half Marathon?
Only about 3 miles!
How often did you train beforehand?
Typically running 6 miles 3 times a week, with longer distances as the day came near.
What was so good about the way the day was organised?
Everything was taken care of, so we just could focus on the task in hand. The YouthNet team had been a real additional help with local knowledge, transport advice tips and the all-important cheering spot information for family and friends!
What was the atmosphere like?
Great – much bigger than I’d expected and putting your name on your shirt as suggested by YouthNet really got you a mention – just when you needed it!
Would you consider doing anything like this again?
Yes – I’m already thinking of 2009!
Congratulations Jamie – you’re our fundraiser of the month for November! We’ve made a £25 donation to your page to show our appreciation 
That was the year that was (blogged) - part 2 « The Justgiving Blog said
[...] also interviewed the fab Dee Jackson about her fundraising efforts and got some great tips of the fundraiser of the month, Jamie [...]