Carlos Drew Romero running the Brighton Marathon
Three running events all took place on Sunday 2 April, with the Brighton Marathon, Brighton 10k and London Landmarks Half Marathon seeing runners raising money for Rockinghorse in each one.
The Brighton Marathon and 10k event both took place around Brighton and Hove and saw over 11,000 runners taking part. There were perfect running conditions during both events with lots of sun and dry conditions.
Sarah Cormack
In order to make sure that we could support the 40 runners raising money for Rockinghorse across both events, our cheer station was set up outside The Old Ship on Brighton seafront where staff and volunteers shouted encouragement every time they saw a Rockinghorse t-shirt running past!
Sarah with Tom and his twin sisters
Sarah Cormack was one of these runners, who chose to raise money after Rockinghorse supported her partner’s family. She said, “I decided to run for Rockinghorse as they helped to provide life saving equipment that saved the lives of my partner’s twins. It was such a privilege to run for Rockinghorse!”
Carlos Drew Romero was another runner taking part in the marathon. He said, “I’m so proud to have been able to represent such a wonderful charity. The running conditions were perfect, the atmosphere was phenomenal, and it felt amazing to hear all the spectators cheer on the Rockinghorse vest.
“Super happy to have raised money above my target! Thank you Rockinghorse for letting me represent you on the day, it’s a day I’ll never forget!”
In the 10k race that took part before the marathon and there were 35 people running for Rockinghorse, including a group of 31 runners from Durnford House in Brighton College.
At the same time as the Brighton events, we also had four wonderful people running for Rockinghorse in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. This is a great event whose route takes in some of the capital’s most iconic sights.
Joe Clayson
Joe Clayson was one of these runners and he had very particular reasons for taking part. Joe said, “I wanted to run in memory of my sister Lucie, who was born very unexpectedly at 24 weeks in 2006. She was transferred to the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for sick children and babies in Brighton.
Joe with his sister Lucie and other siblings
“She required a lot of support in her early days and weeks, including several operations, blood transfusions, and specialist equipment to help her breathe. My family and I are indebted to Rockinghorse for all their support through a very difficult time.
“I wanted to do this in support of the charity which has done so much for my family and for others alike. They helped my family out so much in this time and I want to do the half marathon to support those who also need help as this charity deserves every penny!”
After completing the race Joe said, “I really enjoyed running the LLHM today, it was genuinely the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s made me now want to sign up again as I want to do more for Rockinghorse! Just wanted to say thanks once again for the support and I look forward to supporting the charity once again.”
In total all these runners have raised nearly £5,500 for babies, children and young people throughout Sussex.
Emma Cunliffe, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse, was on hand in Brighton to support the charity’s runners. She said: “The Brighton Marathon and 10k are both such amazing events and it’s wonderful to be right in the thick of the action and cheer on all the runners.
And of course, we want to thank all the runners that took part in all three events, for doing such amazing fundraising to support so many children. It’s really heart-warming that people go to such lengths to raise money for us.”
We always have lots of challenge events going on that you can sign up for to fundraise for us, so why not take a look at our events page to find out more or contact Emma at emma@rockinghorse.org.uk or call us on 01273 330044.
