What would you do?

In December there is a run I would like to take part in, a Rudolph Run at Addenbrokes Hospital. The entry price is £10, that's ok, it includes a T-shirt and antlers etc, but they also "suggest" a donation of £25 - £50...what would you do? Pay this yourself? Ask friends for sponsorship? (Actually, I'd hate to do that) make a smaller donation? Or just ignore it? This would be my first organised run BTW...

[Rignold]

If it is discretionary it is entirely up to you. If it is a charity you want to support, donate as much as you feel comfortable with / can afford. If not, don't.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Yep I agree with Rignold, I would do this. xxx

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Donate what you feel comfortable with. If it's a charity which is particularly close to your heart, mention it to your friends too - you never know, people can be surprisingly generous, especially during the festive season (goodwill to all men, and all that).

[Hidden]

It's for the Rosie Maternity Hospital, a worthy cause, but I kinda feel our Hospitals shouldn't need supporting in this way...I'll probably get all emotional on the day and give them a fortune...

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I agree - it's criminal that the NHS has to rely on so much charity donation. Still, it is what it is ...

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Good advice from Rignald I know what you mean about asking people for money I've stopped sending Christmas cards ( except to aging relies and grandchildren cos they like stuff throughout the post) and instead donate money to charity. So maybe you could do that or just ask everyone not to send you a card but give you a £1. People will prob be happy to help especially since it's your first race

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Fitfor60]

Oooh yes, great idea, yes I like that xxx

[Bradman Graduate]

They're be covering their costs with the entry fee, anything else they get is cash in the bank. Don't let the fundraising put you off, but treat anything you raise as a bonus.

[no-excuse Graduate]

Go for it! I agree with useitorloseit, close friends will probably support you if they are able. I had the same problem with my charity run last week, but mentioned it to a few friends and reached my target. I think its ok to do it now and again as long as we're not always on the ask. x

[AncientMum Graduate]

Sad isn't it that our NHS has been so chronically underfunded that they have to resort to fund raising like this to make ends meet? Give what you feel comfortable with and, as others have said, mention it to friends and leave it up to them to support you or not. Good luck with your run and your fund raising

[runningknitter Graduate]

I agree with everyone else, donate what you are comfortable with. If you would like any sponsorship I would love to sponsor you as my three children were born at the Rosie and I thought it was very good there.

[Hidden]

Aww bless you RunningKnitter! That's so kind of you...I'll get back to you if I may, I haven't even got a place for sure yet xxx