Home > The Serious Bit

The Serious Bit

The Serious Bit

Huge thanks for getting involved in Sport Relief 2008! We really appreciate your support and would ask you to always remember that it’s really important to take care whilst fundraising.

Safety First

If you are participating in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile or any other fundraising activity for Sport Relief, we would advise you to:

  • Prepare and train properly for your fundraising activity.
  • Warm up and cool down properly before and after an event. (For further hints and tips on how to prepare yourself for Sport Relief, have a look at the Bannatyne's Health Club website at bannatyne.co.uk/fitness/.)
  • Seek medical advice if you have any doubts about your ability to take part in any fundraising activity.
  • Take particular care if you are undertaking intensive physical activity of a type, or at a level, which is new to you.
  • Enlist an instructor and/or make sure you are accompanied by a professional if you are planning on taking part in an ‘extreme’ sporting activity.
  • Always be aware of the safety of other competitors, spectators and the general public.

If you are organising your own mile event, or any other fundraising activity, we recommend that you draw up a plan in advance, taking into consideration the following guidelines:

  • Risk assessment – you should conduct a risk assessment to ensure that you have proper plans for the safety of participants. The Health and Safety Executive has further information at http://www.hse.gov.uk.
  • Route/location – make sure your event and any routes are suitably located, and that you have all the permissions and licences you need – you might want to contact your local council about this.
  • Supervision – make sure you provide suitable supervisors or marshals, and that they stand out - this might involve wearing armbands or high visibility jackets.
  • Medical assistance – consider what medical facilities are needed at your event (from a simple first aid box to a qualified first aider). Your local St John’s Ambulance may be able to help with advice and assistance.
  • Preparation – think about any special training or equipment that may be necessary for your event.
  • Participants – make sure your participants are fully briefed about the event, including any risks, fitness requirements and any special equipment or clothing that may be required.
  • Children – always make sure children have their parent or guardian’s permission to take part, and are properly supervised during the activity.
  • Insurance – consider what insurance cover you need for your activity. Please note that Comic Relief cannot provide insurance for your activity.

If you are organising an Official Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile event, please consult your Organiser’s Manual for advice on health and safety.

Keep it Legal

  • Please make sure your publicity and fundraising materials (e.g. posters) include the line: ‘In support of Sport Relief, an initiative of Comic Relief, registered with the Charity Commission no. 326568. ’
  • You may refer to the connection between your fundraising activity and Comic Relief by using our ‘In support of Sport Relief’ logo on your fundraising materials. You can download the logo here. You must use the logos in accordance with the guidelines provided.
  • Comic Relief does not authorise you to act as an agent for or on behalf of Comic Relief/ Sport Relief so your fundraising materials must not suggest that you represent Sport Relief.
  • If you are a business and you are fundraising by selling goods, services, or running a promotion, the law requires you to have a Fundraising Agreement with us. You may also need a Fundraising Agreement if you are a member of the public, and you are deducting any costs, expenses or other amounts from your fundraising. You can get your hands on one by emailing fundraising@sportrelief.com or by writing to us at ‘Sport Relief, National fundraising team, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP’.
  • We don’t advise you to collect money in a public place or door to door. If you do choose to do so, you’ll need a licence from your local authority (you should find details about this on your local authority’s website).
  • If you are planning a lottery (such as a raffle, tombola or sweepstake), you should be aware that there are strict laws and rules about what you can do. For those of you in England, Wales or Scotland, the Gambling Commission publishes useful guidance about these at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action publishes guidance for Northern Ireland at www.nicva.org.
  • If children (under 16) are involved in fundraising in any way, please make sure they have permission from their parent or guardian, and are supervised by a responsible adult. Children should not approach strangers about fundraising.
  • Please be safe! Whilst we really appreciate your support, Comic Relief is not responsible for organising, supervising or hosting your fundraising activity and all activities and participation in them are at the organisers’ and participants’ own risk. Comic Relief does not accept responsibility or liability for any loss or damage, or for any death or personal injury, arising out of any fundraising activity, including liability as a result of negligence (except death or personal injury caused by Comic Relief’s negligence).