I think fundraising is MUCH harder than the actual climb and a lot more stressful. No matter what anyone says it's not easy, I'm learning the hard way!
I am hoping to climb Aconcagua and Denali this year and I am currently fundraising. Half of what I raise will go to a local charity. It's the most soul-destroying thing I've ever had to do and I have to say I've learned a lot about people in the process. The people I thought would be the most supportive are the very ones who have run a mile. Especially people I've supported in the past. So I am having a big fundraising event in my town on the 21st October. MoT, if you've nothing better to do it would be great to see you there :-)
This Thursday I have to do a presentation on my 2 months at Everest base camp and my climb of Island Peak. Honestly, no aspect of mountaineering could be as scary as standing up in front of a room full of people!! By the way, I haven't even started preparing the presentation yet....any advice anyone on how to go about it?
I haven't even had a chance to start training yet!
So my point is, you have to be fairly determined (and thick-skinned) if you want to go out there and fundraise to go climbing and it has to be really important to you. I know it will all be worth it in the end but I'm not sure I can go through this again next year! well, maybe if I actually achieve something on these mountains I could attempt to find a sponsor? who knows....So fair play to you Trunl if McDo just handed you sponsorship. I wish I was that lucky!