Lorna Walters, Christine van den Broeck and John Brennan took part in the second Global Challenge 2009. Click on their names or scroll down to find out how they raised thousands.

Still short of ideas? The Fundraising with Save the Children guide is packed full of suggestions and personal stories to get you going.

And if you've got your own fundraising story that can inspire others, do share! Please send us your latest news and pictures.

Lorna Walters top 5 fundraising tips

Send out a message that shows how your sponsors are making a real difference, no matter how much they are able to give. I included details of how different amounts of sponsorship money would buy different but equally important items.

Don't be put off by not getting a response the first time you ask for sponsorship. Look for other opportunities to ask again. For example send a 'Happy New Year' message or send an update on your training and a 'gentle reminder' to visit the sponsorship page.

Don't be afraid to ask the most unlikely people - you will be amazed by everyone's generosity. My landlady sponsored me, as did my hairdresser and a friend of a friend who I'd only met once!

Talk about the trek to everyone and let them know how excited you are to be taking part in such a unique event - you will be surprised by how many people ask for the details of your JustGiving page.

Always say thank you! If you are using the JustGiving website it will send an automatic response, but you should still write a personal note of thanks. Your sponsors should feel as much a part of this event as we do. After all, we couldn't do it without our sponsors and we'll need their generosity again next year!

Christine van den Broeck's fundraising tips

I was so excited about having been selected for the Global Challenge '09 that I talked about it incessantly. That excitement spread through my (very generous) friends and family so that when I started fundraising, they were happy to donate. I also contacted colleagues and business partners as well as people in my community. When I hit a lull, around four months into fundraising, I asked my friends and their parents to approach their companies. Surprisingly, those were the largest donations.

Small fundraising events in my community also brought in donations, while spreading the word about Save the Children's work in India. The people I approached always made time to listen to details about the charity, the trip and the objective, which, in my mind, will have a longer lasting effect than money donated. Many have since supported STC in Haiti and Pakistan.

While fundraising was difficult, it was also very rewarding. I was happy to see the number of people who wanted to support such a great cause and nearly every single person followed up with me after the trip to get details of the project, the children and our accomplishment.

John Brennan's fundraising tips

Go early, go hard and go often. My suggestions would be coffee mornings, raffles (old laptops), golf days, corporate sponsorships, coach roach racing, bric-a-brac sales.

Challengers from each country should work as a team and share the spoils to achieve their individual target. Involve as many helpers as possible, spread the workload and increase the engagement and sense of fun!

Help create a million brighter futures

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Visit our Resources pages for helpful downloads to get you going

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