What stepping over the edge reminded me about fundraising

As we mark Learning Disability Week, I have been thinking about what it really means to see people for who they are.

For Callum, that means being seen as a much-loved brother, as someone who brings joy to his family and as someone who is supported by people who know him well, so he can live his day to day life in the way that works for him.

That comes through clearly when Lizzie talks about her brother.

Callum lives at one of FitzRoy’s care homes in Liss, and this year Lizzie took on the 100 metre abseil down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower to raise money for FitzRoy.

“I’d been looking for my next challenge. A few years ago I did a skydive in support of FitzRoy, so when I saw the opportunity to abseil it just felt right. It’s the perfect excuse to do something fun but also raise money for something so close to my heart and help my brother and the incredible team around him.

“The staff there are all so lovely and attentive. Callum is always so happy and it’s so clear how well cared for he is. No matter what I do it’s never going to be enough compared to what they do every single day, but it feels good to be able to give something back.”

As Head of Fundraising I spend a lot of my time talking about the difference donations make. I hear about the new opportunities that fundraising creates, the projects it helps bring to life and the little extras that can make a big difference to the people we support.

I also spend a lot of time encouraging others to take on challenge events in support of our work.

What I don’t usually do is take part in them myself!

But this year I decided to swap organising for abseiling and join our supporters at the top of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

Standing there, looking over the edge, I was reminded that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t a small thing. Everyone who had signed up had their own reason for being there. Families, supporters, staff, students and local businesses, they had all come together because they wanted to do something that mattered.

For Lizzie, the challenge was personal – it was a way to support Callum and the team around him. For others, it was about supporting a cause they believe in, remembering someone special or helping to create more opportunities for people.

That is what makes fundraising so powerful. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about people choosing to stand alongside FitzRoy and the people we support.

The money raised through events like the Spinnaker Tower abseil helps fund projects, activities and experiences that enhance the lives of people we support. And during Learning Disability Week, that feels especially important.

Because good support is not only about meeting someone’s needs. It is about recognising the whole person – their relationships, interests, humour, ambitions and the things that make us all feel happy and valued.

As I made my way down the tower, I wasn’t thinking about how high up I was (well not all the time!),  I was thinking about the people whose lives will be touched by the money raised and the incredible community of supporters who make that possible, some of whom were cheering us all on at the bottom of the tower.

Every challenge taken on, every donation made and every show of support helps create more opportunities for people we support to live the lives that they choose and achieve the things that matter to them. That’s what fundraising is really about about.

To find out about upcoming fundraising events or share your interest in getting involved, email [email protected]. We’d love to help you find your next challenge.