Congratulations to Wiki Solly, our Fundraiser of the Month in January
Congratulations to Wiki Solly, our Fundraiser of the Month in January! Wiki is MACS' only fundraiser running the London Marathon 2019 with a guide runner. This month, not only has she organised a successful fundraiser but she has also been invited to give a speech as an inspirational role model for those in the VI community. We caught up with Wiki and asked her about her very successful month!
Congratulations on being our Fundraiser of the Month! Could you tell us a bit more about what you’ve been up to?
Earlier in January I organised a Quiz and Raffle Evening held at a local pub. A friend kindly offered to be the quizmaster and we had a variety of rounds, including a music round connected to vision and an anagram round based on the London Marathon route!
The event was advertised beforehand, but someone (I have no idea who!) contacted the local radio station who promoted it - and ended up with a cracking turnout.
It really took me out of my comfort zone asking local businesses for prizes - and I was astounded by the generosity of so many local companies. I’d managed to sell a number of raffle tickets before the event with my husband selling a lot at his work. On the event night my mum did an incredible job selling even more. Overall I managed to raise £779.61!
I also raised £40 from a Guess My Name competition held at a local primary school where I’d been invited to speak as an inspirational role model for those in the VI community.
That sounds amazing. It’s great that so many local companies supported you! Do you have any advice to others who are considering doing something similar for their fundraising?
My advice for those fundraising would be: 1) Don’t be intimidated by what other people have got for their raffles! Try sourcing your own prizes and you will be surprised what you can achieve. 2) Having a wide range of prizes will increase interest in your raffle, for example a signed rugby ball, whisky and Scalextric were the most popular. 3) Think outside the box!
Could you tell us a bit more about the school talk and the Guess My Name idea? How did your talk go?
My Guess My Name competition came from a discussion with a friend who teaches at a local primary school. They have a VI pupil and I said I’d be happy to go in and do an assembly on being VI, participating in sport and running the Marathon. I was also willing to run the Daily Mile with each class (7 miles in total). I had a fantastic day with the pupils asking questions, having a go at guiding me, being guided themselves and guessing the handmade teddy’s name (kindly donated by a friend). I’ve said I’ll go back with my medal to show them. This was my favourite fundraising activity as the pupils benefitted the most, especially doing the Daily Mile with me.
You are our only runner who will be running with a guide this year. Do you have any advice to other visually impaired runners who might be considering running the marathon in the future?
Having a VI doesn’t mean you are limited - you just have to adapt. Having Paul as my eyes during the marathon will be paramount to my safety. My aim is to enjoy this experience as much as possible. Paul is a fantastic guide, really positive and encouraging. I’m really honoured to be running with him and running for MACS.
How do you feel ahead of the marathon later this year?
I’m feeling a little nervous about the marathon, especially the start. I’m going to find it overwhelming on my other senses, so if you do see me at the start, please come and tap me on the shoulder and introduce yourself as I won’t see you if you wave! 😄 Team MACS 2019, let's do this!!!