to fund raise for something I need

[tolittletoolate]

I'm disabled and use a wheelchair all the time. We live in an area with loads of cycle paths and my dh and dd both have bikes and go out cycling together. I would love to join them but hand cycles for disabled people are hideously expensive.
The other day I thought that if my dh did something to raise money to buy one for me (he is an ultra runner) then people could donate towards it and maybe then I could get one. It would make a huge difference to my life and also enable me to exercise.
Is it a good idea or a bit cheeky?

[notablob]

I think that sounds perfectly reasonable.

[WorraLiberty]

I think it's a brilliant idea

I wonder if he could contact your local paper too?

[SantanaLopez]

Least cheeky idea I've heard in a good while :)

Best of luck!

[caramelwaffle]

Sounds reasonable.
As long as you are honest with people about what you are raising the for, it would be ok.

Perhaps consider donating any excess to a disability charity to help others in the same position as yourself.

Have a quick peek on the Charities Commission website.

There is also a MN Charities board here.

Good luck.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

As long as you are completely honest about that is for you - no problem.
There are also cheaper options:

www.kinetics-online.co.uk has built a handcycle attachment for a wheelchair before, and it was a lot cheaper (and better made!) than the commercial equivalent. It's not on the website, but I'm sure if you contacted them they could give you more information.

There is also this www.kinetics-online.co.uk/recumbents/hase/handbike/ I don't know if you have already seen it. If not worth a look. Things built by cycle manufactures tend to be cheaper and better quality than those built by mobility manufacturers.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Or if you trust your DP there is the Pino, a tandem where the front person sits in recumbent position and can be fitted with handcycle. This could be a good option as handcycling can be pretty knackering, and that way your DP could take the strain.

www.kinetics-online.co.uk/recumbents/hase/pino/

[DropYourSword]

I think you'd have to be very transparent about why you are trying to raise money and that it will directly be going towards paying for something for yourself.

I don't want this to sound at all unsympathetic, and I have no idea how much a hand cycle costs, but I think that there are plenty of people for whom owning a car would make a huge difference to their life and they don't generally try to get sponsorship to raise funds for one.

[HappyMummyOfOne]

Given you are not a charity you are on shaky ground "fundraising". You need to know the legal aspect of asking people for money before proceeding.

[tolittletoolate]

yes I know what you mean Drop this is why I was a bit reluctant to ask people.
A hand bike costs around £4000 depending on what make etc.
Even the ones that attach to a wheelchair are 2 grand for what basically is 1 wheel, some cogs, a chain and some hand pedals!

[tolittletoolate]

Although I missed out on one that was on EBay for £200

[DropYourSword]

Holy shit, that is a lot!!

I'm so glad you saw where I was coming from with my post. I really didn't want to sound rude but I wanted to highlight that you would just need to be careful so people couldn't claim they felt misled.

[Canthisonebeused]

I think it's a brilliant idea and I think to continue with the kindness you could do a charity cycle for another good cause once you have your cycle.

[tolittletoolate]

That's a good idea

[lougle]

What about applying to a charity? Barchester Healthcare Foundation offers grants:

"We favour applications that encourage a person’s mobility, independence and improved quality of life. Our grants range from £100 up to £5,000."

You can see a list of other grant awarding organisations here

[RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief]

Just be upfront that you are not a charity. It is totally legal to fundraise for a cause which is not a charity. However, it is fraud to either explicitly or implicitly state that you are a charity. So just be clear, and you're fine.

It is actually worth your DH saying on his fundraising blurb "Please note, that for the avoidance of doubt, this is not a registered charity"

[elskovs]

No reason why not, although I would see it as begging/asking for money rather than fundraising.

I wouldn't like to be asked TBH. But then I never like being asked for money.

[Shonajoy]

I'd get in touch with a local independent bike shop first and see what they say. It might be something they'd be interested in helping make, and can get bits cheaper.

Also, is it worth asking anyone you see medically? I know a friend with MS managed to get help with some exercise equipment.

[paxtecum]

I hate being asked to sponsor some entitled young person go up Kilimanjaro or similiar, especially if they are paying the minimum themselves towards the trip.
No, they are not fundraising for a charity, they are going on an adventure holiday and don't want to pay for it.

OP: Go for it.
Try to get a grant first from the links that are on here.
Best wishes to you.

[tolittletoolate]

thanks for all the links, much appreciated.
I started a thread on the parents with disabilities board re grants but nobody replied.

[Mogz]

I think it's a great idea. If you set up a PayPal address to accept donations I bet you'd get a few quid from publicising on social media sites. Best of luck, I really hope tha some day soon you can afford your bike and join your family on some great outings.

[elskovs]

Is it sponsoring though? Isnt it really just straight up asking for cash?

What difference does it make if her DH does some cycling or not?

Would you mind being asked to contribute to a sponsored silence when the money was being used towards a holiday for example?

Isnt the end result the same?

I just think a lot of people are going to be pretty horrified behind your back and will see it as simply asking for a hand-out. Which is what it is really

[tolittletoolate]

Yes I see your point which is why I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not.
My dh would have to do something pretty extreme and ask for sponsorship that way to raise the money.
Then as someone else has suggested I could use the handbike to then fund raise for another charity.
I had Guillian Barre Syndrome so I could raise money for them for example.

[Canthisonebeused]

I don't think a one off holiday and the means to improve long term quality of life and reducing the barriers to long term quality time with ones family can really be compared as the as the same end result elskov.