When a child is diagnosed with cancer it often inspires the people around them to offer help and support in the form of fundraising.  But fundraising isn’t just limited to people directly affected by the experience of cancer - anyone can help!

There is no limit to the fun and rewarding things you can do on your own to raise money.  

Here are CANdlelighters’ top 10 fundraising ideas for individuals:

• * Host(ess) with the most(ess) – hold a dinner or cocktail party
• * Be head strong - shave your head or dye your hair the Candlelighters’ pink and green colours
• * Get moving – run, cycle, even ‘egg and spoon’ a race. (See our Events Calendar for major races scheduled this year.)
• * You’re how old?  Old enough to swap gifts for donations on your birthday...
• * Give it up – chocolate, swearing, Twitter, even talking
• * Learn something new - take up salsa dancing, Mandarin, circus skills etc.
• * Girl’s night in!  Manicures, bubbly, and chocolates in return for donations
• * Be crafty - knit, paint, glass-blow your way to donations
• * Do you really need it?  Instead of buying a luxury item, donate the money you save
• * The sky’s the limit – do a skydive, cycle to Paris, or trek the Himilayas!  Our partner company for skydiving, treks etc. is Skyline.  For more about the adventures you can take part in to fundraise for Candlelighters, visit our Skyline page.

See Sponsorship and fundraising - how to get started for more details on how you can get people to sponsor you – you may be surprised how much people will donate, particularly to see you do weird and wacky things!

Don’t forget to:

1) Shout about it!
Don’t forget, if you’re holding a big event or are planning to raise a large amount of money, let everybody know! We have a downloadable Candlelighters Press Form which you can fill in and send to your local newspaper. You can also download publicity materials and our logo from the Media centre, as well as ordering Candlelighters t-shirts, pens, stickers, etc – essential for any event!

2) Say it with pictures
A picture says a thousand words, so make sure you have someone lined up to take photographs on the day. Photos are invaluable for gaining press coverage – and donations – after the event. You can also share them with your friends, family and local community by posting them on your fundraising Just Giving site and on our website's Gallery. To upload your pictures, simply email them, along with information about your event, to info@candlelighters.org.uk   

3) Make the most of the internet
Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are excellent ways to spread the word about an event. Why not set up an events page, or a fan group? That way you can update all your supporters in one easy message and encourage them to donate, donate, donate! And don’t forget to set up your own Just Giving page on Sponsorship and fundraising - how to get started.