Making the Great Runs £1 million greater

Charity fundraisers taking part in the Great North Run and other Great Run events this year could raise close to £30 million if they go online to organise their fundraising, according to Virgin Money Giving.

Last year the Great Run Series of events, which includes the Great North and South Runs and the Great Yorkshire, Manchester and Edinburgh races, raised over £28 million for good causes.

But if fundraisers were to raise the same amount this year on Virgin Money Giving, at least another £1 million would make its way to charity.

Assuming an average donation of £24, with Gift Aid uptake at 87% of total donations, the £28 million raised last year would be boosted to £29.06 million if fundraisers were to use Virgin Money Giving.

Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money Giving, said: "The Great Run series of events raise considerable funds for charity.

"Every penny counts for charities and with Virgin Money Giving, more money will make its way to good causes, with £12.46 going to charity for every £10 donated."

Virgin Money Giving recently passed the £16 million barrier and has over 1,500 charities signed up and over 31,000 fundraisers.

virginmoneygiving.com is the official sponsorship website of the Virgin London Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon and 'Run to the Beat'.