The Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC) provides world-class cancer and haematalogical care, but it’s the support from charities like ours that truly enhances the patient experience. At Friends of BHOC, we exist to fund vital projects, from cutting-edge equipment to comforting amenities and essential wellbeing items, that fall outside the hospital's normal budget.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to get involved and make a positive, immediate difference in the lives of patients right here at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, fundraising is the answer. We believe there is a brilliant fundraiser in everyone, so we’ve put our top tips together to help you get started.

Tell Your Story

The single most effective tool in your fundraising toolkit isn't a spreadsheet or a detailed plan, it’s your story. Your personal connection to the BHOC is what motivates friends, family, and even strangers to donate. Authenticity is the biggest fundraiser!

Finding Your ‘Why’

Whether you’re setting up an online fundraising page or simply raising awareness by word of mouth, the key to success is sharing your ‘why’. Be honest about what drew you to support us.

Perhaps you, a family member, or a close friend has been impacted by cancer or a haematological condition. Or maybe you've been inspired by the impact the Friends have made, like funding the purchase of breast gowns for breast cancer patients, supplying fans for wards to increase patient comfort, or fundraising £2 million for a Radiotherapy Linac and Advanced Clarity Ultrasound machine. Your inspiration might even be seeing how much a simple amenity, like the Ward Trolley, means to a patient. Sharing that personal connection is the most powerful tool you have.

Proof is in the Picture

Let's talk about photos and videos. They're absolutely essential for online fundraising because they instantly show people your effort and your goal. Whether you snap a video of yourself training, take a photo as you cross the finish line, or just get a great shot of the delicious baked goods you’re selling, visuals bring the whole thing to life. They also make the cause feel wonderfully human and personal.

When you're fundraising, trust the visuals. A short, snappy description paired with great photos catches people’s eyes and communicates your dedication far better than trying to write a long essay.

Make it Personal, Keep it Positive

Fundraising for cancer care often stems from deep, difficult experiences, and we recognise that. While your personal connection is your most powerful tool, remember to frame your message around the hope and positive change the Friends of BHOC are creating.

Instead of focusing only on the difficulty, talk about the solution your fundraising provides. This shift in focus encourages people to support a bright future for patients. When people understand how their donation will help today and tomorrow, they are much more likely to contribute.

Find Your Fundraising Style

The best part about fundraising for the Friends is that you don't have to be a marathon runner or an expert baker to help! We firmly believe there’s a fun way for everyone to get involved. Break the challenge down by finding a style that truly fits you.

Get Active: Conquer a Challenge

If you're ready to break a sweat, go for it! This could mean signing up for an official event like a 10K run, a cycle, or a triathlon. However, you don't need a formal event to get started. You can easily create your own sponsored challenge. Challenge yourself to walk a certain number of steps, swim a specific distance over a month, or cycle the length of the country virtually. Making it personal is what inspires the most support.

Get Creative: Social & Fun Fundraising Events

Fundraising isn't all about breaking a sweat! If you love crafting, baking, or just getting people together, your imagination is your greatest tool. These creative social events can be the easiest and most fun ways to raise funds. Here’s some creative fundraising ideas to get the juices flowing:

Bake, Quiz, or Swap: challenge your network to a baking competition, host a classic pub quiz or games night, or organise a fun clothes swap to refresh wardrobes for a small donation.
Showcase Talent: put on a talent show featuring musicians or comedians, host a stand-up comedy night, or even run an evening Dance like a barn dance or swing night. Simply charge an entry fee and sell refreshments!
‘Crafternoon’ or Art Show: If you're creative, host a crafting event or a small art workshop. Share your skills and ask for donations to help fund care.

Whatever your passion, be it active or creative, we're here to help you turn it into vital support for the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.

Master the Digital Ask

In today's world, setting up an easy-to-use digital donation page is non-negotiable and it's how most people prefer to give. Getting started is simple and ensures every penny is tracked and goes straight to the Friends of BHOC.

Choose Your Fundraising Platform

We strongly recommend setting up a dedicated fundraising page on Facebook, Instagram or JustGiving. These platforms are user-friendly, link directly to our charity, and often handle Gift Aid automatically. Make sure to personalise your page with your story and photos.

Remember the Power of Social Media

Don't underestimate the reach of your social platforms. You can quickly and easily share your fundraising event and your ‘why’ online, allowing supporters to donate with just a few clicks right from their feed, making it incredibly fast and convenient for them.

Make it Easy to Find

Once your fundraising page is live, share the link everywhere! Put it in your email signature, share it in local community groups, and make sure it’s the main link you use when talking about your fundraising event. The easier it is for people to find your page, the more likely it is that people will donate.

Get Our Support

Once you have your fundraising idea and your online page, your next step is to connect with us. We don't just ask you to fundraise, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Get Your Official Fundraising Support Pack

Request a fundraising pack from us. This free resource is essential for promoting your event, as it provides official branding, useful materials, and all the information you need to succeed.

We’ll Help You Promote It

If you share your photos and information with us about your fundraiser, we will use our social media pages to help promote your fundraising event and potentially increase your donations. Where possible, we love celebrating our fundraisers, so tell our team what you’re doing.

We hope these tips have given you the inspiration and confidence to launch your next fundraiser. Remember, every effort, whether it’s a marathon, a quiz night, or a ‘crafternoon’, supports the vital work we do.

Ready to fundraise? Get in touch with our team to request your free support pack today. You can also purchase additional materials from our online shop.

Together, we can continue to enhance care and comfort for patients and families at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. Thank you for being part of our community.

Top Fundraising Tips: Making a Real Difference at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre