Northamptonshire fundraiser Tony McMurray completes his latest challenge for Alzheimer's Society

Since his mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2006, Tony has dedicated many hours to raising both funds and awareness for the Society in his local area of Northamptonshire.

Tony has organised charity tea dances at the Tea shop that he owns with his wife Sharon, run an auction and held charity doughnut sales at his local May Day Fayre. These activities have all helped to raise awareness for the Society in the local community and got customers and friends involved in his fundraising.

Tony's many personal challenges include a 10 mile sponsored walk, a sponsored cycle ride from Lands End to John-O-Groats with 6 friends, and his latest challenge was to paddle the length of the river Thames in a Kayak. Less than 5 months after first setting foot in a boat, Tony transported himself, his tent, sleeping bag and all equipment through 45 locks, and along the tidal waters of Central London in a gruelling 8 day challenge which ended at the iconic Tower Bridge. 

Tony's 3 keys to a successful campaign are:

1. Success is 90% planning; 10% execution - dedicate enough time to planning your events and the awareness and fundraising will follow
   
2. Utilise all forms of media to the full to raise the greatest awareness and funds
   
3. The more unique the event or challenge the more of a 'head turner' it will be
   2011 will see Tony attempt to climb the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, and he has a whole series of unique challenges lined up for the years to come. 

You can follow Tony on twitter at @towcestertea or follow his fundraising exploits for Alzheimer's Society at the towcester tearooms website.

Through the events he has organised so far, Tony has raised a fantastic £20,000 for Alzheimer's Society - a phenomenal amount which makes a real difference to our fight against dementia.

Feel inspired by Tony's efforts and want to organise your own fundraising event? Get advice, ideas and request a fundraising pack today or call our Events Hotline on 0870 417 0192.