We spoke to Emma, The Community Fundraising officer at Sarcoma UK. She is responsible for supporting anyone that is wanting to contribute funds towards the charity.
Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body. There are over 100 different types of sarcoma, yet they only make up 1.4% of the cancer diagnoses in the UK. Their mission is to insure everyone effected by sarcoma has the best treatment, care, information and support available and to also create the treatments of the future.
Emma explained that their work has changed drastically over the past two years. Being part of a team of only 20 people, like most of us, they had to readjust to a digital working lifestyle. In March 2020 they were gearing up for their busiest months to date including 60 people running the London Marathon for Sarcoma UK. Within a week everything was cancelled or postponed which was worrying for the team. Public support is fundamental at Sarcoma UK, with no government funding they rely solely on donations from the public to have access to the researchers and support services that they need to achieve their mission.
They had to work quickly to reassure their supporters that they were still around despite the lack of funding available. They developed new ways to fundraise including several virtual events and challenges to keep people going. Thankfully many of those those taking part in events that were postponed, held their fundraising events and challenges virtually which really helped the charity during such a difficult time.
Sarcoma UK are celebrating their tenth year this year so have been able to plan lots of events to raise funds and awareness including their annual Christmas concert taking place in London. Virtual tickets are also available so look out for tickets through their website. They are also taking part in the ’20 for 20′ challenge with 19 other charities this Autumn where you pick an activity to do over the course of 20 days donating collectively across all 20 charities or a singular charity involved in the challenge. A great incentive to try something new whilst helping wonderful charities doing life changing work.
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