1.  Housewife and grandmother

I went down a cliff to raise money for charity. It was an enormous challenge as I’m actually quite afraid of heights. It was only really the moment of going over the edge that was difficult: after that it was very easy. You just have to get into the'rhythm and not go too fast. My son is really keen on climbing and some of his friends from his university

climbing club set everything up and organised the whole event. There were about twenty of us who did it and between us we raised well over the target amount.

2.  Lawyer

I ran a triathlon and managed to get over 50 people to sponsor me. I had to train for months and it was really hard work but well worth it. I actually enjoyed the training more than the final event because on the day the weather was terrible. In the months running up to the event I followed a very strict regime and it felt good to be working towards such a specific goal. Knowing that I was going to be able to give a large donation to charity made me even more determined to do it. It was such a positive experience I’m going to do it again next year.

3.  Environmental consultant

I cycled from L.A. to Quito last spring. All my family thought I was mad but I love cycling and I knew it would be an amazing way to see lots of really interesting places. I managed to raise quite a bit of money for charity through sponsorship although that wasn’t my main, objective. I turned 30 in March and I really wanted to be doing something totally different rather than just sitting at my desk in the office. I wanted it to be something I could look back on when I am older and feel proud of. The fact that I was able to do something to help those less well off than me at the same time, well that made it even better.

4.  Retired primary school head teacher

We used to make a big effort to get the children involved in charity events as I think it helps raise their awareness of world events and the fact that in many places there are people, particularly children like themselves, who live in very different circumstances to them. I think they get a great sense of satisfaction too from knowing that they are able to do something to help. Each year we had a special day; where all the children paid a small amount of money and then came to school for one day in their own clothes and not in school uniform. We also regularly held parties where the children were encouraged to donate old toys and books and things which we then sold. All the money we made went to our chosen charity.