Why do we set sponsorship targets for guaranteed charity event places?
We’re committed to making the most of every opportunity to raise vital funds. To secure guaranteed places in popular events, we must pay entry fees and invest in promotional packages to reach potential participants. For high-profile events, these costs can be significant.
To ensure we raise as much as possible for our cause, we – like many charities – set minimum sponsorship targets for each event place.
Please note: if you exceed your fundraising target, any additional funds cannot be carried over to another event.
What happens if I can’t reach the minimum sponsorship target for my chosen event?
We ask all participants to aim for a minimum fundraising target to help us make the most impact. We understand that times are tough, and fundraising can feel daunting but please know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Every pound you raise helps us work towards ending new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030 and makes a real difference to people living with and affected by HIV. Your efforts help fund vital services like THT Direct, Living Well, and our Hardship Fund, supporting people to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
If you’re struggling to meet your target, our team will be in touch before the event console closes to ensure the cost of your charity place is covered. Please note that if the agreed fundraising target isn’t met, we may not be able to offer you a charity place in future events.
That said, most of our supporters exceed their targets, and we’re confident you can too - especially with our help!
If you have any questions about fundraising or the event, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
I don't want to commit to a minimum fundraising target - what should I do?
No problem! You can still take part by securing your own place directly through the event organisers. Just visit their website to sign up.
Once you’ve got your place, we’d love to welcome you to Team Terry. You’ll still receive support from us, and any amount you’re able to raise will make a real difference to people living with and affected by HIV.
Is Gift Aid included in my sponsorship target?
No - like many other charities, our policy is that Gift Aid is not counted towards your minimum sponsorship target.
Gift Aid is a valuable bonus that helps us raise even more, but it’s separate from your core fundraising total.
Can I fundraise with a friend?
Absolutely! If you and a friend (or a group) are taking part in the same event, you’re welcome to fundraise together. Just keep in mind that sponsorship targets are set per person, so each participant will need to meet their individual fundraising goal.
If you plan to fundraise as a team, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting [email protected] – we’d love to support you!
Can I continue collecting donations after the event?
Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to keep fundraising after the event. We just ask that you aim to reach your minimum sponsorship target within four weeks of the event date.
Every donation makes a difference, and your continued efforts help us support people living with and affected by HIV.
How do I get a t-shirt or running vest for my event?
If you're taking part in an event with one of our charity places, or you've secured your own place in a challenge event, we’ll be happy to provide you with a Terrence Higgins Trust t-shirt, running vest, or cycle jersey to wear proudly on the day.
Will Terrence Higgins Trust be there to support me on the day of my event?
We’d love to be at every event, but as a small fundraising team supporting a large number of challenges throughout the year, it’s not always possible for us to attend in person - though we truly wish we could!
That said, we do plan to have cheering stations at some of our key events, including:
- TCS London Marathon
- Royal Parks Half Marathon
- Cardiff Half Marathon
- London Landmarks Half Marathon
Even if we’re not there on the day, you’ll still have our full support in the lead-up to your event and we’ll be cheering you on from afar!
I’ve had a change in circumstances and can no longer take part in the event. What happens now?
We completely understand that plans can change and sometimes it’s no longer possible to take part in an event.
If you’re unable to take part, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected]. Where possible, we’ll do our best to defer your place to next year’s event or offer a similar alternative - although this isn’t guaranteed.
If your place is deferred, you’ll need to pay the registration fee for the new event.
Please note: registration fees are non-refundable.