Flora London Marathon 2009 − the place for London Marathon runners to share tips, stories, videos and other fun stuff

Great North Run for Uncle Paul

www.justgiving.com/run-ollie-run

Congratulations to Paul Oliver - not just for running the Great North Run but for more than doubling his fundraising target too.

Always on the lookout for great fundraising stories and top tips, we caught up with him to find out how he did it.

How did you decide to run this year’s Great North Run?

That is a relatively easy one to answer. My uncle grew up in Gosforth and moved back to Jesmond in his thirties. I visited my uncle at my nan’s and in his flat in Jesmond many times

How did you choose to fundraise for the MS Trust?

I wanted to donate to a charity linked with MS, informing and educating those diagnosed with MS, their families and carers alike. MS Trust seemed from the outset a good choice from their website. I have been impressed by their correspondance from the first time I contacted them and am very happy to continue fundraising for their great cause.

Can you tell us a bit more about your Uncle Paul?

Of course. My uncle was a very kind, unassuming man. He was one of the funniest and coolest people I have ever met. He had a wonderful set of friends and was very very talented in the field of art restoration. He was diagnosed with MS at the age of 38 and a slow deterioration set in, firstly affecting his balance and sight, and meant he had to give up driving and eventually his work. In the latter stages of his life he was confined to his flat, and he died aged 49 on the 10th September 2002.

I want to do all I can to raise money in his memory, but also to promote the great work that the caring professionals carry out. I think it is very important to fully inform those with MS and those who care for them, to enable them to have an empathy and the tools to counter what can be a very cruel illness. Certainly Paul’s caring staff were amazing how they dealt with him, and did their level best to allow him to maintain his independance, and his humanity.

Had you run that distance before?

I had ran 10km twice before, and ran 15-18 km in training - but no, I had not ran this far before!

How was it?

It was like a walk in the park, until the race began! Very tough, but well worth it! I will enter next year for definite.

What was your Great North Run highlight?

My highlight was the realisation as I turned the corner and could see the finish. That sense of euphoria stayed with me until I crossed the finish line.

Had you ever run/fundraised for charity before?

Two previous Manchester 10km runs have been for the same charity.

How did you find using JustGiving?

Without the Just Giving site I think I would have struggled to have reached such a wide audience (Newcastle/Keswick/Colchester/Worcester/Isle of Skye/France/Germany etc).

What was good/what could be better?

I think the modifications allowing more than one photo and the ability to personalise the site are really good. I have also never had anyone complain about making payments or security, which is really important.

What’s your top training/fundraising tip for other JustGivers?

Top training tip would be to be quite regimented. Give yourself a twelve week minimum program certainly for the half marathon. You can download from Nike.com or runnersworld.co.uk or similar sites.

My top fundraising tip would be to get your family and close friends to donate first, then go for your work and other, more distant friends, sending out emails, etc.  That way you’ll already be a certain step nearer to your goal, which always looks good!

Thanks Paul for letting us know your experience and all the best with your future fundraising. We’re sure your uncle Paul would be proud.

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