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Writing and issuing a press release

Publicity in the local media is great for raising awareness and funds; you might want to consider sending out a press release.

A list of your local newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television channels is available on the website: www.mediauk.com. If you'd like further help or examples, please contact the fundraising team at the MS Trust.

Basic elements of a press release:

  1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    These words should appear in the upper left-hand margin, just under your letterhead.
  2. Your contact details
    Name, address, telephone/fax number and email address.
  3. Headline
    Succinct and snappy, bold typeface, never use the past tense.
  4. Dateline
    Town/area your press release is issued from and the date of your mailing.
  5. Lead Paragraph
    Grasp the reader's attention: What are you doing/have you done? Where are you doing it? When will it be? Why are you raising funds?
  6. Text
    Develop your message. Include information that will enable people to support you and find out further information.
  7. Summary

Content tips & ideas:

  • The first 10 words of your press release are the most important.
  • Include a photo of yourself or your supper if it's after the event.
  • Set up a fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com and mention the address of your online fundraising page.
  • Give some background information on yourself geared to your local area.
  • What is your connection to MS?
  • Include anything about yourself that other people might find interesting.
  • Explain why you are supporting the MS Trust. Have you or your family experienced the work of the MS Trust first hand, or do we have a particular project you admire e.g. MS nurses?
  • Complete your press release on one page.
  • Send another press release after the event.
  • Mention the MS Trust's contact details so that readers can contact us if they would like further information about our work or our fundraising events.
  • Mention our My Garden for MS web page: www.mstrust.org.uk/mygarden

Click here to see a sample press release

Don't forget that we are on hand to help, and that we would love to see copies of published articles! Tel: 01462 476700 email: fundraising@mstrust.org.uk

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