Mick Pembleton has held on to the top spot on the #Localhero leader board from day one. His skydive for Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW has, so far, attracted 84 unique donors and raised £1,357 for the charity. We spoke to Mick about his involvement with Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW and how the #Localhero campaign has helped his fundraising.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW train assistance dogs to increase the independence and wellbeing of disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight. Mick first heard of the charity through a friend of his who worked in their offices as well as numerous neighbours who volunteered. He said he was drawn to Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW primarily because they were locally based.
I like the thought that the money raised goes to a small, local charity where it can have a real effect rather than a national one, where the money might get 'lost' amid general costs - this feels much more personal.
Mick had been to many previous fundraising events for the charity as well as helping out with moving and collecting donated items from local charity shops. He was already keen to do a skydive, and had one booked in for June. He then had a conversation with the charity about how they were looking for a #Localhero and felt the opportunity was too good to miss; especially as the charities new training grounds are in the hangar of the airport where he will be doing his jump!
Mick said on doing his skydive
The idea of freefalling is appealing and I've always fancied base jumping and bungy jumping but I am very scared of heights. I can't wait to do the jump but it will definitely be a once in a lifetime thing!
Mick told us that Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW have been hugely supportive of him as a fundraiser
I really didn't want to go round asking people to sponsor me with a sponsor sheet but with the Localgiving link I could tell people the details then it's up to them if they wanted to go ahead - it doesn't feel like I'm pressurising anyone. Ability Dogs 4 Young People designed and printed some leaflets to give out and have been encouraging people to sponsor me on my behalf. They also put posters up around the airport and given some to some of their supporters to display. They also put details of the jump on their website, Facebook Page and Twitter.
The charity invited me to the Training Centre after puppy class to meet all the puppies and volunteer puppy parents and I got to chat to everyone involved and they will all be coming along with the puppies to watch me on the day!
Mick is hoping to raise enough money buy a new puppy for the charity and fund its training for the first year
I can raise a bit more money and somehow hold on to the top spot on the leader board I might reach £2500 which is exactly half of what's needed so that would fund it's first year with the charity.
We also spoke to Mick about the #Localhero campaign and whether he felt it had had an impact on his fundraising event
The #LocalHero Leader board has definitely helped in spreading the word - having the possibility of getting an extra £1000 has really inspired everybody. I know the charity has been explaining to people who don't know me that this is a really effective way of donating because their £5 could turn into £1000! So as well as getting support from my friends and family I've had people sponsor me who want to support the charity. It's also been great advertising for the charity to be on the Leader board with Localgiving and being mentioned on Twitter and such.
Mick will be doing his skydive on Tuesday 23rd June, help MICK'S BIG JUMP for Ability Dogs 4 Young People win some extra money for Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW and keep him at the top of the #LocalHero Leaderboard. Each new donor = another point in the competition so any donation, big or small, can make a huge difference.
Support Mick now:
https://localgiving.com/fundraising/micksbigjump