Cold Water Challenge FAQs
Q. I’ve just signed up, what now?
If you haven’t already, join the Facebook group for the challenge here. Our online challenge groups always have fantastic energy, and you can find important updates and inspiration throughout your challenge. Plus, there may be a giveaway or two!
Q. How do I take on the Cold Water Challenge?
The Cold Water Challenge takes a DIY approach; you can take on your challenge whatever way you like! For example, you could complete a cold-water dip, commit to taking some cold showers or an ice bath, or you could do an ice bucket challenge.
The most important thing is that you don’t push yourself past your limit, only take on the challenge as far as you’re comfortable.
Q. How do I stay safe?
We have put together a comprehensive set of safety advice which you must read before you take on any Cold Water Challenge.
It is also very important that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions before taking part.
Q. When does the challenge start? Can I start my challenge early/late?
The challenge officially runs from 26th December through to 7th January. However, you are welcome complete your challenge earlier if you need to; this is your challenge, and you can adjust it to suit you and your lifestyle.
Q. Can teams take part?
Absolutely! Pop us an email on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk and we’d be happy sort you out and advise on your fundraising target.
Swimming/dipping clubs are more than welcome to take part too!
Q. Can I have more than one beanie?
We are only able to provide one beanie per fundraiser, however we have more available for purchase on our website here: BCRT Shop - Beanie
Q. How do I fundraise?
Simply click this link to create a Facebook Fundraiser or a Just Giving page:
https://givp.nl/register/pwPpTICB. This link allows you to activate your fundraiser as well as register for your fundraising pack!
You are also welcome to fundraise offline using a sponsorship form which we sent in your fundraising pack.
We are SO grateful for every donation we receive; we get no regular government funding so each and every donation makes a HUGE difference.
Q. I’ve lost my fundraiser – help!
Not to worry! If you set up a Facebook fundraiser, simply go to www.facebook.com/fundraisers/manage and you should see your Cold Water Challenge fundraiser! If it isn’t there, it’s likely it was not successfully created. Feel free to pop us an email on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk and we can help you out.
If you made a JustGiving page, you should have received an email with your unique page link. If you can’t find this, go to www.justgiving.com/login and you should be able to locate your page.
Q. What’s in my fundraising pack, and when will it arrive?
Your pack will be sent out automatically when you receive £5 in donations.
Once sent, you should receive your pack within 7-10 working days, if it’s been longer than this feel free to pop us an email on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk and we can investigate this for you.
Whilst you wait for your pack, you can download and print a sponsorship form here.
In your pack you will find a comfy BCRT beanie hat which you can wear with pride, an information sheet where you can find tips and tricks for your cold water challenge, and a paper sponsorship form for any offline donations you may receive.
You will also get a cardboard collection box which is handy to put in your workplace for additional donations!
Q. I don’t have Facebook, how can I join the challenge?
If you don’t have Facebook that’s no problem! Rather than setting up a Facebook fundraiser, you can make a JustGiving page! Simply press the purple Just Giving page button once you’re filled in the form to set up your page: https://givp.nl/register/pwPpTICB.
If you’d like to raise money offline, please give us an email at fundraising@bcrt.org.uk
Q. How do I return my offline donations?
The simplest way to get your funds back to us is by uploading the equivalent sum to your own fundraiser. If you do this, please email us a photo or scan of your sponsorship form so that we can claim gift aid.
However, you can send your offline donations to us by using any of the methods below:
Bank Transfer
Account name: Bone Cancer Research Trust
Account number: 63948768
Sort Code: 30-98-93
Branch: Lloyds Bank Leeds City Centre
Please ensure you reference your name and “Cold Water Challenge”
Via our website
Head over to our website, select "single donation" and enter the amount you wish to donate and press “donate now”. On the next page choose the option “paying in fundraising”.
Please ensure you reference the “Cold Water Challenge” and the name of the person taking part in the challenge so we can link your donation to the supporter.
Via cheque
You can send a cheque to: BCRT, 10 Feast Field, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4TJ.
Please ensure you send a letter with your cheque, referencing your name and the challenge you completed.
Via phone
You can call us on 0113 258 5934 to make your donation over the phone.
Q. What if I don’t complete the challenge, or I don’t raise any money?
We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and we would hate for you to be disheartened if you don’t complete your challenge. The only thing that matters is that you gave it a go! All we ask is that you try your best.
If you feel like you need extra time to complete your challenge, you can always edit your fundraiser end date. If you need help to do this pop us an email on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk and we can show you how.
We will share lots of fundraising tips and tricks in the Facebook group to help you kickstart your fundraising!
Q. How do I get my beanie hat and medal?
To get your beanie hat you must follow this link to set up your fundraising page: https://givp.nl/register/pwPpTICB. Once you have £5 in donations, we will send out your beanie along with your fundraising pack.
The medal is earned by raising £100 by the 7th January and these are sent out in early February!
You may be thinking “February? That’s a bit late!”. To reduce our carbon footprint and reduce waste, we wait to order medals until we have more accurate knowledge of the number of medals earned which means it can take a little while to get your items to you, but we thank you for your patience.
Q. How do I keep my supporters engaged?
The beauty of Facebook and JustGiving is that it is super easy to share updates with your friends, family, and other supporters!
Here are a few ways you can keep your supporters engaged:
- Share Your Journey: Spread the word about your Cold Water Challenge experience with friends, family, and colleagues. Your story has the power to touch hearts and encourage more support for our cause.
- Fundraising Flourish: Keep those donations coming in by getting creative with your posts! Why not make a brrrr-illiant impression by taking a #ColdWaterSelfie in your outfit!
- Better Together: There’s safety (and fun!) in numbers; gather your friends and take part together to motivate each other and have a great time too!
- Heartfelt Thanks: Take a moment to express your gratitude to all those who have supported you on this meaningful journey. A little thank you goes a long way!
- Set New Goals: If you’ve already hit your goal, challenge yourself to reach new milestones in the remaining days of the event. Your determination will inspire others to do the same!