I’ve recently just taken part in a sporting fundraising event. I’m in the habit of writing blog posts for my business. But this isn't in my comfort zone to write more personal blogs, but a story I wanted to share. And a key milestone in my life - a sporting accomplishment from a non sporty person who hated PE at school. When I had children, I stopped doing anything for me. So when the opportunity came up this year, I thought life is too short to have any regrets. What a brilliant thing for my children to witness, their mummy raising money for a great cause, Nordoff Robbins, a musical therapy charity, whilst pushing herself and working hard to train for an event. Nordoff Robbins provide music therapy to those with life-limiting illnesses, physical disabilities and emotional challenges.
How it all began
The story began nearly 4 months ago. I was approached my Monkey Music in Tunbridge Wells and asked to participate in an event to raise £15,000 for their national charity Nordoff Robbins. My role would be 2 fold – to take part in the event and help fundraise. Of course, I accepted! I do like a challenge, but this would be a new type of physical challenge. A triathlon. This would require strength and endurance. I would need to train in 3 separate sports – 2 of which I can no idea what I was doing. All the articles and books advised that being a good swimmer was key and fitting in the swimming and cycling would be tough.
They were right! The training was harder than I thought. I set myself a gruelling schedule as I was starting from scratch with the swimming and cycling. In fact, I hadn’t rode a bike for 30 years. I first needed to find a bike and then get to used to the roads and all the gears. I was a complete novice, except for the running.
I got all the kit and equipment and somehow managed to stick to my training schedule. The 3 months of hard work paid off. I completed the triathlon half an hour quicker than I thought with personal bests across all 3 sports and was part of a super team of mums that all motivated and supported each other.
Not only did I personally manage to raise nearly £700, but as a group, we raised £16,000 exceeding our original target.
Would I do it again? I’m not sure cycling is my thing and I don’t think I was built for it, but I would definitely do another sporting challenge for charity.
Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Give yourself a new challenge
Sometimes it is good to get away from the grind and establish a new routine, particularly for us mums with young children. You can often feel chained to the house and kitchen sink. The triathlon and training were a way to get away from the house, switch off and do something completely different, whilst knowing it was for a good cause.
2. Improve your physical and mental well being
We all know exercise is good for us and a sporting challenge is a perfect way to get in shape and give you the motivation to stick to it. There is no backing out once you commit and the donations come rolling in. But, exercise is great for our minds too. Training outdoors when the sun shines and taking in the Great British Countryside is the best feeling!
3. Meet new people in a different environment
It also was a way to meet new people, all with their own stories to tell, outside of being a mum and work. I had a new identity! We shared a common goal.
4. Pure joy and accomplishment
Joy and accomplishment isn’t an emotion we get to experience very often. The triathlon certainly triggered these emotions. I had pushed myself physically despite being a mum and in my 40s. I had achieved something I never thought I would be able to do.
5. Doing something for the greater good
I was beaming with pride afterwards, a sense of satisfaction that you’ve made a positive difference. All the training and hours of sacrifice have been worth it knowing we had raised money that would be put to great use.
The fundraising continues
I am so proud of what us 21 ladies achieved. Not only did we all manage to successfully get to the finish line injury free, but we raised a whopping £16,000.
This is such a huge amount that will have a long-lasting and major impact on the charity. Plus, our good work doesn't end there. Nordoff Robbins were so pleased with our fundraising efforts led by Monkey Music, they offered us a team reward of climbing the O2. We decided to forfeit the reward (although I have to say I'm secretly relieved!) and offer on as a part of a new fundraising challenge to another organisation.
Follow our team story.
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