Showing posts from: Charity news

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February 7, 2023 at 1:29 pm

Brighton Half Marathon 2023  |  Charity news

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Man Vs. Fridge goes for world record at 2023 Brighton Half

Man Vs Fridge in training for Brighton Half

Sam Hammond, 30, is a man on a mission – with his fridge! The Royal Marine, based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, is no stranger to running around the country with white goods strapped to his back to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, but this time he’s going for a world record at this year’s Brighton Half Marathon, on Sunday, 26th February.

Nicknamed ‘Fridget Jones’ Sam said: “I have been doing this for a while to raise money for charity and I just wanted to take it to the next level. I’m going to begin with the Brighton Half, with a view to breaking the full marathon record at the London Marathon this year. The current record for a half marathon with a fridge on your back is 2 hours 45 minutes and I’m confident I can beat that.

“When you regularly have to go away for long stretches, several months at a time, it really affects the family that is left behind. I have seen that SSAFA is there to help your family, in an emergency, when you aren’t able to, and I think this work is so important and I want to help.”

The minimum weight for the fridge, according to the Guinness World Records, is 25kg. Sam’s fridge currently comes in at 26kg (roughly speaking, the same weight of an average eight-year-old), but it is not the weight that is an issue.

According to Sam, “The thing with a fridge is that it’s bulky and the weight isn’t close to your back, like a backpack or bergen would be. So the physics of it means that 26kg is more difficult to carry.

“The other problem is that, when I go out for practice runs with the fridge, I can’t go more than 10 minutes without being stopped and asked what on earth I’m doing. So, for normal training I’ll just carry weights.”

Sam has other things to worry about too. He has very recently had an operation to remove a lump from his chest.

Sam says: “It was a benign lump, so not too bad, but all the stitches are right where the straps for the fridge go. It couldn’t have been at a worst time, but I think it will be fine. I have rested up for a while, which has actually been the most difficult bit as I’m not used to being still, and am rearing to get back to training.”

If you would like to show your appreciation to Sam for his amazing exploits please give a little towards his fundraiser.


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January 24, 2022 at 6:00 am

Brighton Half Marathon 2022  |  Charity news

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Join Team Beacon as we celebrate 30 years of The Sussex Beacon

Run for Team Beacon

Following on from last year’s record-breaking £55,000 raised for the Beacon, #teambeacon returns in February with a new price, new vest and new medal!Registration is just £30 (with a £200 fundraising commitment) and you’ll receive these great benefits:

  • Exclusive 30th medal
  • Technical running vest
  • Private toilets
  • Dedicated Team Beacon area
  • Chance to run with our celeb runners, including Zoe Lyons
  • Food & drink
  • Dedicated Team Beacon race pen – new for 2022!
  • Dedicated cheer point for families – new for 2022!

Sign up for a Team Beacon place >>

Beacon supporters at Pride

More about The Sussex Beacon

Every year, the Brighton Half Marathon is organised by The Sussex Beacon, a Brighton-based charity providing specialist care and support for people living with HIV in Sussex.Whilst medication now means that people can live long and full lives after being diagnosed with HIV, many still suffer from secondary illnesses such as dementia or cancer, or face the stigma and isolation still associated with a positive diagnosis.  Your support means that the charity can continue its vital specialist medical and community care for people living with HIV, whether recovering from treatment, getting help with a new diagnosis, or seeking mental health support.Find out more about the Beacon and the work it does.


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January 13, 2022 at 3:04 pm

All news  |  Brighton Half Marathon 2022  |  Charity news

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Make your miles matter by joining Team Macmillan

A Macmillan runner

At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can. And we don’t stop there. We’re going all out to find ever better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one.

If you too are passionate about supporting people with cancer, we will make every penny you raise count for something in someone’s life. We will cheer you on until we’re hoarse and shout your achievements from the rooftops. Because you’re doing something amazing; helping people with cancer live life as fully as they can. And they need everything you can give, because life with cancer has never been so tough.

Sound interested? Sign up now for a charity place >>

As soon as you’re registered, you’ll be fully supported from day one by our dedicated events team. We’ll send you a digital welcome pack and be in touch regularly to keep you updated with updates about the event and ways to fundraise for Macmillan.

In addition you’ll also receive:

  • A free Macmillan technical running top plus iron-on letters to customise your kit
  • A fundraising pack bursting with fundraising tips and tricks
  • Access to our online training materials
  • Invites to exclusive online events to support you with all elements of your training and fundraising
  • Regular e-newsletters to keep you up to date with Macmillan’s news and activities
  • The loudest and most supportive cheer points on the course!

Most importantly we’ll provide you with a reason to keep going because you’ll know that you’re helping improve the lives of people living with cancer. Donations make up 98% of our annual income so we simply couldn’t do what we do without you.

How does my support make a difference?

We’ll hold your hand through treatment. Help you pay the fares to hospital and fight for fair treatment for you. If you can’t work, we’ll help you with the bills, if you can’t sleep, we’ll find someone you can talk to, if you need a voice we will speak out for you.

It’s never not our problem. If there’s a way to help we will find it and we will see it through. And we never let anything stand still. We are a force for change, pioneering new and ever better ways to support people with cancer.

We’re on a mission to bring forward the day when everyone with cancer gets life-transforming standards of care from diagnosis on.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today, put on that green t-shirt and support people living with cancer.

Got your own place already?

You can still run for Macmillan. Let us know that you would like to join Team Macmillan by completing this form and we’ll organise a fundraising pack for you. You’ll still receive the same level of support as a charity place runner, all we ask in return is for you to raise as much as you can for Macmillan.

Volunteering

We need an army of cheerers to make this event special. If running is not your thing or you have any family and friends who’d like to come and support you on the day, we’d love them to join our volunteer team! The cheer point locations will be based at a few locations throughout the race’s course, but they will be easily accessible from the Brighton city centre.

Visit our volunteer website to find out more and to register as a volunteer.

If you have any questions about running or volunteering for Macmillan, you can email us at running@macmillan.org.uk or call on 0300 1000 200.


Dementia isn’t slowing down. Neither can you.

Alzheimer's Society

Every three minutes someone develops dementia. It’s the UK’s biggest killer. But with your running, we know we can beat it.

We need your miles, your energy and your determination. We need you to help put an end to dementia. Turn your training runs into life-changing research. Your race day nerves into ground-breaking studies. Your finish line thrill into hope for future generations.

It won’t be easy. There will be mornings when you’d rather press snooze than pound the pavements. When the rain and the wind will make you want to turn back; when the end looks too far away.

We’ve been there too. That’s why we know you won’t give up. There’s a long road ahead to find a cure, but together we will break through the wall.

Currently there is no cure, but Alzheimer’s Society has invested £70 million into dementia research since 1990. Run for us and no matter how long it takes, we will beat dementia

Sign up now >>

 

How you can help

£50 means 312 people can access Talking Point, our online safe space, where a trouble shared can become a trouble halved. People accessing Talking Point can learn from each other’s experiences, share their frustrations and their knowledge of local services.

£200 brings together a person with dementia and a Side by Side volunteer for six months in our Side by Side service. This crucial offering is helping to combat the isolation and loneliness that too often accompanies a diagnosis of dementia. Something as simple as getting out to visit the garden centre or a natter over a coffee can help combat loneliness.

£300 could support one of our Research Network Volunteers for six months. These volunteers are dementia experts by experience. After training, they read every research application that comes to Alzheimer’s Society for funding to ensure that our research stays relevant, impactful and life changing for people affected by dementia.

The benefits of joining Team Alzheimer’s Society

Join us to unite against dementia and in return we’ll support you every step of the way. Some of the benefits you will receive are:

  • We’ll set you up in style on race day with your own Alzheimer’s Society running top
  • A fundraising pack and support from our dedicated events team to help you smash your fundraising target
  • Access to our training zone, with training guides for all abilities as well as information from our professional coaches on everything you need to get you race-ready, including nutrition and tapering
  • Access to a Facebook group so you can chat to other runners
  • The biggest cheers on the course and motivational support on the big day

Join the race. Beat dementia. Run the 2022 Brighton Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society.

Sign up now >>

 


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May 11, 2021 at 8:49 am

All news  |  Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news

Run for SayAphasia in June

Colin LyallAphasia affects around 350,000 people in the UK, yet not many people have heard of it. It is a communication disability which occurs when the communication centres of the brain are damaged. The fact that the condition is rarely heard of, contributes to the loneliness that those with aphasia experience.

Colin, the founder of charity SayAphasia, had a stroke nearly six years ago, and none of his friends and family had heard of the condition aphasia before his stroke. This made it a struggle for everyone around him to work out how best to help him.

Our society is made aware of what a stroke is, and how to identify the signs if someone is having a stroke, but we are not as educated about what happens after.

After Colin came out of hospital and was given physiotherapy and speech therapy, there was a period of time of ‘what now?’

Colin was 50 when he had his stroke, and could no longer continue his career as a director of a commercially designed building services solution company. An extremely positive and determined man, Colin took it upon himself to set up the charity to help others just like him. The charity has given him purpose, goals to achieve and a new sense of success. He hopes that this charity will become that life line for others too.

Colin’s experience is the first thing that drives the charity – to support people who have just been diagnosed with aphasia, to stop them feeling lonely, confused, and helpless; especially after the nurses and therapists have done their part. As soon as patients leave the hospital, the charity want them to be informed straight away about the support that SayAphasia can offer them, to avoid prolonged feelings of confusion and loneliness.

The second thing that drives the charity is to offer the best service, is to provide a continuous, supportive place for people with aphasia to socialise, make friends, and practise their communication skills with like-minded people.

SayAphasia runners
Runners wanted for June!

The charity is looking for runners to take part in the 2021 event on Sunday 27th June. Could that be you, or someone you know? Find out more and contact the SayAphasia team.


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May 2, 2021 at 12:12 pm

Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news  |  Race news

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Run for You Raise Me Up this June

You Raise Me Up logoFancy putting your lockdown running to good use this summer? The local charity You Raise Me Up provides vital support to families after the death of a child aged 16–25, and is looking for runners to run the Brighton Half on June 27th. 

2021 marks the charity’s 10-year anniversary and it has set itself a fundraising target of £100k to enable them to continue to provide free specialist emotional and mental health support to bereaved families without the need of referrals or waiting lists at a time when just breathing is hard enough.

In the beginning

Polegate-based charity You Raise Me Up was founded 10 years ago by Jane and Fraser Brooks after the tragic loss of their daughter Megan in May 2011. They found themselves in desperate need of comfort from those that had experienced the same loss. They soon realised that there was not anything out there, so they started You Raise Me Up. It was created with love and care for all those that needed it in a time of the most unimaginable pain and grief.

The charity has grown enormously in the last ten years with people still getting the same personal care, compassion and support that is needed. You Raise Me Up offers one-to-one counselling from experienced counsellors, peer support groups for mums and dads and a sign-posting service. It also has a drop-in centre/coffee shop in Polegate, with staff that are trained to support the mental wellbeing of those that need it. The charity runs a 24-hour crisis helpline.

Continued support

It costs the charity an average of £3,500 a year to support a family and the need for this service is ever growing. They are keen to ensure the charity can continue to give that level of support to more families.

Personal challenge

Using a personal challenge to raise funds for YRMU is an amazing thing. Like all charities, it has faced large losses from the impact of COVID-19, so in 2021 they need the help of fundraising from challenge events just like the Brighton Half Marathon. However, it’s not just about money, but awareness, too. As a part of Team YRMU you can wear a charity vest provided by the charity and share your journey on your social media channels. For every person who sees your challenge, someone is learning about the charity and its important cause.

Find out more about the charity and how to run the Brighton Half for YRMU in June.


Charity in focus: The Sussex Beacon

The Sussex Beacon has continued to provide care and support for people living with HIV in Brighton and Sussex during the pandemic. This often meant working even more closely with NHS providers and ensuring that appointments and treatments were provided to diverse groups during an exceptionally challenging time.  

The pressure of coronavirus on the Beacon’s services means that they need the help of their fundraisers more than ever. With limited funds available from Government, the Beacon is reliant on its runners and participants to help provide needed funds. 

Luckily, the Sussex Beacon fields one of the largest groups of runners each year at the Brighton Half Marathon. Under the banner of Team Beacon, these dedicated runners raise money for the Brighton-based charity and ensure that those living with HIV in the area are visible.  

Join us! 

The Brighton Half Marathon is organised and led by the Sussex Beacon on behalf of its service users and also those looked after by other charities. By joining Team Beacon, you’ll ensure that the impact of your fundraising stays local, positively impacting those with the greatest need. 

How we’ll support you 

As the organising charity for the Brighton Half Marathon, the Sussex Beacon has exclusive perks for this event. These include: 

  • A special, dedicated area exclusive to Team Beacon runners. This is located near the race start line. 
  • Private toilets for Team Beacon runners.  
  • A race exclusive medal. 
  • Help with your fundraising from an expert fundraising team. 
  • A Sussex Beacon technical running vest 
  • Invite to a private Team Beacon Facebook group and support from Team Beacon.

Sign up now! 

We’d love you to join Team Beacon and help those living with HIV in Brighton. You can join the fundraising efforts by choosing ‘Team Beacon entry’ on the registration form. 

If you’re interested in discovering more about Team Beacon, visit sussexbeacon.org.uk/team-beacon for more information and updates 


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March 15, 2021 at 12:32 pm

All news  |  Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news

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Don’t let cancer become the forgotten ‘C’ during this pandemic

When coronavirus hit, thousands of vital cancer treatments, appointments and care were postponed or cancelled. Now, during the third wave, the consequences of continued disruption to cancer services are impossible to ignore. Again, people aren’t able to get the timely support they need, and the emotional impact of the outbreak is continuing to take its toll on people already struggling.

Cancer cannot become the forgotten ‘C’ during this pandemic. We need to see national and local action to deliver on cancer recovery plans, clear the backlog and get cancer services back on track.

How you can help

Join Team Macmillan for the Brighton Half Marathon and help us reach our goal of providing everyone with support from day one.

How we’ll support you

In return we’ll support you every step of the way, and provide you with these resources free of charge:

  • A fundraising pack which will have all the help you’ll need to absolutely smash your fundraising target
  • A Macmillan technical T-shirt or running vest, plus iron on letters to customise your kit
  • Access to the Macmillan training zone to make sure you’re ready for race day
  • Invited to a private Team Macmillan Facebook group

Plus, much more!

So, what are you waiting for? Get the support you need to get to the finish line whilst raising money to help people living with cancer. Find out more information here.

Sign up now


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March 1, 2021 at 11:12 am

All news  |  Charity news

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Run for Alzheimer’s Society in June

Alzheimer's SocietyRun the 2021 Brighton Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society

By 2025, one million people will be living with the condition in the UK. But dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer’s Society will be there for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through.

We know we can beat dementia, but we can’t do it alone. We need you to run for us with the support of our dedicated team. We need your miles, your energy and your determination. We need you to help put an end to dementia.

Sign up now

Reasons to run for us:

  • We know training is tough, but you’re tougher. We’ll make sure you have expert knowledge from our professional coaches at your fingertips.
  • We’ll send you an Alzheimer’s Society running top to represent the team on the day.
  • We’ll work with you to fundraise as much as you can. We’ll send you newsletters full of top tips and are always at the end of the phone to talk ideas.
  • You’ll have access to our Alzheimer’s Society Running Team Facebook group where you can chat to your fellow runners and share tips and ideas.

By running the Brighton Half Marathon for us, we can continue to deliver ground-breaking research. Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity funding research into prevention and a cure for dementia, whilst also caring for people affected today.

£50 could turn 13 ordinary citizens into superhero Dementia Friends! There is a stigma attached to living with dementia that is both deeply hurtful, and overwhelmingly unfair. Dementia Friends is at its core an instrument for societal change, waking people up to the truth about dementia and helping them understand the impact on people’s lives.

£300 could support one of our Research Network Volunteers for six months. These volunteers are dementia experts by experience. After training, they read every research application that comes to Alzheimer’s Society for funding to ensure that our research stays relevant, impactful and life   changing for people affected by dementia.

£500 could begin the Dementia Connect journey for 50 people with a call from one of our telephone-based Dementia Advisors. This first contact with a person living with dementia, their carer, or family member is the initial step in understanding how we can best support them.

Join the race. Beat dementia. Run the 2021 Brighton Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society.

Sign up now


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February 12, 2021 at 6:17 am

Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news

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Charity spotlight: Macmillan

At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can.

And we don’t stop there. We’re going all out to find ever better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one.

How you can help

We’re doing whatever it takes. But without your help we can’t support everyone who needs us.

Join Team Macmillan for the Brighton Half Marathon and help us reach our goal of providing everyone with support from day one.

  • £10 makes a difference. Every £10 we spend on our phone service could help people affected by cancer claim £355 in benefits they are entitled to.
  • £20 makes a difference. £20 could help run our Online Community for over an hour, helping 111 people affected by cancer to connect with each other.
  • £30 makes a difference. £30 could pay for a Macmillan nurse providing essential medical, practical and emotional support for 1 hour.
  • £50 makes a difference. £50 could help an energy specialist deal with a call or query from someone with cancer struggling with their energy bills.

How we’ll support you

In return we’ll support you every step of the way, and provide you with these resources free of charge:

  • A fundraising pack which will have all the help you’ll need to absolutely smash your fundraising target
  • A Macmillan technical T-shirt or running vest, plus iron on letters to customise your kit
  • Access to the Macmillan training zone to make sure you’re ready for race day
  • Invited to a private Team Macmillan Facebook group

Plus, much more!

So, what are you waiting for? Get the support you need to get to the finish line whilst raising money to help people living with cancer.

Sign up now


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January 30, 2021 at 8:45 am

Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news

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Turn your miles into crucial dementia support with Alzheimer’s Society

Beat dementia: Alzheimer's Society

Coronavirus has changed everything for people affected by dementia, and it will continue to impact their lives for many more months.

For almost 12 months now it has been heart-breaking. Family and friends have felt the pain and isolation of being cut off from loved ones living in care homes or struggling with the pressure of caring for their loved one at home alone.

Throughout the pandemic, Alzheimer’s Society’s online and phone support services have provided a lifeline and been an emergency service for people affected by dementia who may have nobody else to turn to.

People like Kevin and his wife Jeannette, who has dementia and is living in a care home. For the past two and a half years, Kevin has visited every single day. But multiple lockdowns have meant that the once inseparable couple have been kept apart for months on end. This separation and only being able to see Jean through a window left Kevin distraught.

Thanks to our incredible supporters, Kevin has been receiving weekly Companion Calls from Rachel, an Alzheimer’s Society volunteer.

‘I saw light at the end of the tunnel. I was so thankful because I knew that there was someone out there that would support me, that would help me. Someone I could talk to. That was my lifeline.’ Kevin, carer

Run the Brighton Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society and help show people like Kevin that they are not alone.

Join the race. Sign up to run for Alzheimer’s Society today.

Sign up now

 

Why your support mattersYou could change lives

Our expert support staff have been there for tens of thousands of people affected by dementia when they’ve needed us the most. To date, we have answered over 37,500 calls to our Dementia Connect support line, provided online support to over 450,000 on our online community Talking Point, and made nearly 50,000 Companion Calls to over 2,700 people to help them feel less lonely.

These services have been a lifeline for many. Your support will help keep this lifeline on.

The benefits of joining Team Alzheimer’s Society

Join us to unite against dementia and in return we’ll support you every step of the way. Some of the benefits you will receive are:

  • An Alzheimer’s Society running top to wear with pride on the day
  • A fundraising pack and support from our dedicated events team to help you smash your fundraising target
  • Access to our training zone, with training guides for all abilities as well as information from our professional coaches on everything you need to get you race-ready, including nutrition and tapering
  • Access to a Facebook group so you can chat to other runners
  • The biggest cheers on the course and motivational support on the big day

Join Team Alzheimer’s Society at the Brighton Half Marathon and your miles can provide crucial dementia support.

Sign up now

 


Charity of the Week: Alzheimer’s Society

Join Alzheimer's Society

Dementia devastates lives. It strips away memories, relationships and connections to the world. For someone with the condition, as well as their family and friends, dementia means the plans you made, and the future you thought you had, will not be so.

By 2025, over a million people will be living with the condition. Of the world’s top ten killer diseases, it’s the only one we can’t cure, prevent or even slow down. Too many people face dementia alone, finding it difficult to know who to turn to or where to go for information and support.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we know it doesn’t have to be like this. We are investing more money than ever in dementia research and until the day we find a cure, we will be here for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through.

Run for Team Macmillan

Alzheimer’s Society are the UK’s leading dementia charity. Every day, we work tirelessly to find new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for dementia. We provide expert information, training, and support services to all those who need our help. And we are creating a more dementia friendly society so people with the condition can live without fear and prejudice.

How you can help

We want to stop dementia in its tracks through research. We’re committed to spending £150 million on cutting-edge research over the next decade but can only do this with the support of people like you. By joining Team Alzheimer’s Society at the Brighton Half Marathon, you can help us continue investing in our researchers and get us closer to our vision of a world without dementia.

£75 can pay for 20 microtome blades, used to create slices of the brain the thickness of a human hair. This enables researchers to study the intricate detail of brain cells, and the toxic proteins that cause dementia.

£100 covers Alzheimer’s Society’s cost of supporting one patient with early stage Alzheimer’s for three months on one of our vital trials. Their time and dedication provide us with the potential to treat symptoms and slow the progression of dementia.

£250 can pay for 100 microlitres of a special chemical that is applied to brain tissue, allowing researchers to study how brain cells are affected by the disease.

The benefits of joining Team Alzheimer’s Society

In return we’ll support you every step of the way, and provide you with some fantastic benefits:

  • A fundraising pack with advice and inspiration to help you smash your target
  • An Alzheimer’s Society running top to wear with pride on the day
  • Access to our training zone, with training guides for all abilities as well as information from our professional coaches on everything you need to get you race-ready, including nutrition and tapering
  • The most incredible race-day experience with the loudest cheer points on the course and a hero’s welcome at our post-race marquee where you can pick up some refreshments
  • Most importantly, the knowledge that you are helping Alzheimer’s Society get one step closer to beating dementia

Join Team Alzheimer’s Society at the Brighton Half Marathon and you miles can help us beat dementia.

Run for Team Macmillan


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January 1, 2020 at 2:49 pm

Brighton Half Marathon 2021  |  Charity news  |  Race news

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10 reasons to run for charity


Ever considered running for charity? Here are 10 reasons to use your run for good.

1. Raise funds for a cause close to your heart

Using a personal challenge to raise funds for a good cause that you truly care about is an amazing thing. A few pounds from your family and friends  can quickly mount up and help a good cause. You could be funding medical treatment for a person in need, a day out for a poorly child, a help line for vulnerable people, access to water for children without, animals who need protection, life-saving medical research, emotional support for people undergoing treatment or psychological support for people with mental health issues. If you are signing up to run an event, you have the opportunity to share your achievements with others who truly need it.

2. Raise awareness of the charity

Many charities have faced large losses from the impact of Covid-19, so in 2021 particularly they need the help of fundraising from challenge events just like the Brighton Half to keep services running. However it’s not just about money, but awareness too. Runners will often wear a charity vest provided by their chosen charity, many of you will set up a JustGiving page and a lot of you will share your journey on your multiple social media channels. For every person who sees your challenge, someone is learning about the charity and their cause. Raising awareness can be just as key as raising funds, and this awareness could have a long-term impact. You inspire new supporters and new fundraisers, and before you know it one action has triggered hundreds more just like yours.

3. Get motivated

Let’s be honest, running a half marathon is hard! There may be moments when you doubt yourself and reconsider whether the early morning winter runs, the slips on the ice and the pressure to get fitter are worth it. In fact, we see a huge drop-out rate of runners because they haven’t trained enough or couldn’t brave the brisk weather on race morning. But a charity runner is lacing up their running shoes for a cause, for their family and friends that have sponsored them, for the impact they know they will have on people who need help the most. They are running for those who can’t – what’s better motivation than that?

4. Gain a support network

When that motivation is slipping, we need people around us to support our goal and tell us to keep going. To provide us with advice, tips and opportunities to help us soldier on. Running for a charity means you are part of a team that is supporting each other to achieve a common goal. Many charities have team meet ups, Facebook groups, and regular email communications to ensure you never feel alone on your journey to the finish line.

5. Make new friends

Joining a charity team is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. You already have two things in common: you like running and you care about the same charity – that’s a good start! Runners often share training runs and arrange regular meet ups, you are sometimes invited to team events where you can ‘mingle’ with your team mates, and many charities offer access to a dedicated marquee on race day where you can meet other runners and start the race together.

6. Get added extras on race day

Not only do you have the support of your friends, family and fellow runners, but you also have the full support of the charity you are running for. All charities vary in the level of supportive benefits they can provide, but offerings can include a branded running vest, a fundraising pack, regular emails of encouragement, Christmas cards, branded merchandise, pre-event meet ups, race day hospitality, dedicated baggage area (The Sussex Beacon only at the Brighton Half), food and beverages, cheer teams along the course, post-race reception and free photography.

7. Tick off something from your life ‘bucket list’

For many, running a half marathon is an experience they have never felt before – the buzzing atmosphere as thousands of runners wait eagerly at the start line, the roaring cheers from the crowds, the emotional ups and downs of the course, the feeling of determination as you resist the urge to give up, the elation as you cross the finish line, the pride as you receive your medal, the gratitude of a goody bag and a massage at the end! Running for charity enhances every moment, starting with team mates on a common mission, crowds chanting the name on your charity running vest, the motivation to keep going for those who are relying on you to finish, the euphoria of knowing you have made a difference to more than one life when you crossed that finish line and receive that medal for every person, child or animal you fundraised to help.

8. Improve your health & wellbeing

Whether you are running to shift a few extra pounds, boost your overall fitness levels, tone up for summer, clear your mind or just need a hobby, running the Brighton Half Marathon is a great opportunity to reach your goal, whatever that may be. Motivation and support are key to achieving our goals, so run for charity to give you the best chance of succeeding!

9. Feel happier

Doing good makes you feel good, right? And that’s not the only reason running for charity can make you happier. It’s a social activity, and studies have shown that socialising can decrease feelings of depression and boost feelings of well-being. Running itself is fantastic for our mental health, it also combats depression, improves our capacity to learn new information, alleviates anxiety, helps us sleep and can even boost self-esteem. But you need to stick at it, so you need that motivation and support to reap the benefits.

10. Do something different

If we did the same things every day, life would get a bit dull. Fundraising for charity opens up a world of opportunities to do weird and wacky things, tackle new challenges, have new experiences and meet new people. Often the colder months at the start of the year can be a time we slip into mundane routines of staying indoors, watching tv and eating junk food. Why not make a change this year: register to run for a charity in the Brighton Half Marathon in June and train through the winter and spring- who knows what opportunities and experiences you will unlock!

See all our charity partners here.

By Rosie Hemming


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December 29, 2019 at 7:41 pm

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Charity of the Week: Macmillan

Team Macmillan runners

Being told ‘you have cancer’ can affect so much more than your health – it can also affect your familyyour job, even your ability to pay the bills. But you’re still you. We get that. And, after over 100 years of helping people through cancer, we get what’s most important: that you’re treated as a person, not just a patient. Through better treatment we have added years to life but now we need to add life to years.

Run for Team Macmillan

Macmillan is the UK’s leading cancer supporter charity giving personal, one to one care and support to thousands of people every day. We are the only charity supporting anyone, no matter their age, where they live or their cancer diagnosis. It’s why we’ll take the time to understand what matters. We help people make sense of their diagnosis and guide them through treatment, so we can help get the support needed to take care of their health, protect their personal relationships and deal with money and work worries.

In Brighton and Hove an average of 1,365 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. In 2018, Macmillan had 10 professionals working in Brighton and Hove and they gave out 100 grants totalling £38,500 to help cancer patients in the local area. This was only possible due to the amazing fundraising efforts of people like you!

How you can help

Without our amazing fundraisers we wouldn’t be able to provide the vital services and support that people living with cancer need. Join Team Macmillan for the Brighton Half Marathon and help us reach our goal of being with everyone from their point of diagnosis:

  • £52 could help run a large Macmillan Information & Support Centre for 1 hour
  • £100 could pay for a person affected by cancer to attend a Health and Wellbeing event, providing them with skills to improve the management of these areas in their lives
  • £145 could pay for a Macmillan Grant that would make a significant contribution to the cost of a person’s travel to hospital for cancer treatment.
  • £221 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for 1 day, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support
  • £500 could pay for a Macmillan professional to attend an advanced course in pain and symptom control. This would help the professional provide better advice to people with cancer on how to control their symptoms and deal with the pain caused by treatment.

Macmillan runners at the finish lineHow we’ll support you

In return we’ll support you every step of the way, and provide you with these resources free of charge:

  • A fundraising pack which will have all the help you’ll need to absolutely smash your fundraising target
  • A Macmillan technical T-shirt or running vest, plus iron on letters to customise your kit
  • Access to the Macmillan training zone to make sure you’re ready for race day
  • The loudest applause from our world-famous Macmillan cheer points who will give you the encouragement to finish in your best time
  • Exclusive access to our hospitality marquee on race day, which will be full of refreshments and a lot of camaraderie from your fellow runners

So, what are you waiting for? Get the support you need to get to the finish line whilst raising money to help people living with cancer.

Run for Team Macmillan


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December 15, 2019 at 6:00 am

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Make a difference with every step for Chestnut Tree House

Join Team Chestnut

 

Become a half marathon hero with Team Chestnut whilst helping children and young people with life-shortening conditions across Sussex and South East Hampshire.

Amazing people like you help so many families every year. You help families create precious memories together at Chestnut Tree House, help care for children in their own homes, help give carers time to recharge their batteries, and help parents through the most difficult time of saying goodbye.

 

Whether you’re a running rookie or distance dynamo, we’re here for every step of your journey. As a Chestnut Tree House runner you’ll be invited to our coffee catch ups and training runs, plus we’ll be there to cheer you along on the day and welcome you home with well-deserved refreshments.

You’ll also get a bespoke Chestnut Tree House running vest to wear with pride during training runs and on the day. All we ask for joining Team Chestnut is that you commit to raising £200.

 

The money you raise helps in so many ways and really does make a huge difference in the lives of children and families across Sussex. Here are just a few ways it helps…

  • £150: Allows a family of four to stay overnight together at Chestnut Tree House knowing their child is cared for all night.
  • £220: Gives carers a few hours respite and time together as their child is cared for in their own home.
  • £230: Puts on a ‘Stay & Play’ session at Chestnut Tree House for children to enjoy a range of activities and make precious memories.
  • £268: Means 5 families and their children can enjoy time together and feel free in the hydrotherapy pool at Chestnut Tree House.
  • £285: Covers the cost of all care services provided at Chestnut Tree House for one hour.

Join Team Chestnut. For yourself. For local families. For making precious memories. For the Now.

If you have any questions about joining Team Chestnut or your fundraising, please feel free to call us anytime on 01903 706355, we are here to help you throughout your fundraising journey with us.


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December 10, 2019 at 6:00 am

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Charity of the Week: The Sussex Beacon

 


Run with Team Beacon and support the charity behind The Grand Brighton Half Marathon!

Over the last four years of The Grand Brighton Half Marathon, Team Beacon has rapidly grown. Thanks to their dedicated support and generosity, we have been able to provide specialist care and support to many people living with HIV.

2019 was another big year for Team Beacon, as we provided extra special and exclusive facilities in the race village for our runners for a second year to maximize the race day experience for Team Beacon. We were thrilled to meet our runners, to celebrate with them as they proudly posed with their medals for free professional photos and to congratulate them with well-deserved sweet treats and hot soup.

Due to the fantastic feedback and rocketing Team Beacon sign up numbers for the 2019 race, our team are busy working on an even better marquee for our dedicated runners and supporters. Our spectacular Team Beacon marquee promises to deliver an exclusive baggage area, warming and delicious catering, photographer, comfy seating, motivational music, post-race reception and much more – all in one place in the race village! Thanks to our loyal sponsor Glencairn Consulting Ltd, our runners will also receive their technical Team Beacon running vest straight to their door, so they can train proudly in their team colours. Fundraising resources, competitions, training runs and race day information is just a few taps away with our Team Beacon Facebook Group, where runners can ask questions and share training tips.

The Sussex Beacon needs you!

Over 100,000 people live with HIV in the UK, a number which increases every day. With daily medication people living with HIV can lead normal lives, however many suffer with psychological effects and HIV-related illnesses, such as cancer and dementia. The complex combination of HIV and related illnesses require specialist treatment. Brighton has the 2nd highest HIV prevalence in the UK, and access to specialist care and support is vital. With a 10-bed inpatient unit, The Sussex Beacon provides 24 hour medical and psychological care to people struggling with a new diagnosis, starting new medication, recovering from HIV-related cancer treatment and dementia, requiring family services and end of life care. Most of all, it provides a safe, comforting place for patients in their time of need. You can help us continue to offer support to those who need it most.

Click here to find out more and join Team Beacon

 


Team Beacon 2019
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September 9, 2019 at 9:23 am

All news  |  Brighton Half Marathon 2020  |  Charity news

Glencairn Consulting returns as Team Beacon Sponsor

The Sussex Beacon are celebrating a staggering 30 years of the Brighton Half Marathon in 2020. Most importantly, 30 years of support from local businesses and thousands of volunteers who make this event and Team Beacon possible.

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is our biggest fundraiser. Owned and delivered by The Sussex Beacon, the event raises essential funds for our services for people living with HIV. Within the 12,000 annual entrants are a team of runners going the extra mile by fundraising for The Sussex Beacon. We call these incredible people ‘Team Beacon’. Over the last 4 years, 750 Team Beacon runners raised an astonishing £105,000 with support from family and friends.

Our Team Beacon Sponsor

We are proud to provide Team Beacon with fantastic facilities, hospitality and support on race day to give every runner the best experience. This wouldn’t be possible without one very special supporter who goes above and beyond to support The Sussex Beacon.

Andrew Buchan, IT Architect and Director at Glencairn Consulting, is generously sponsoring Team Beacon 2020! Supporting the charity and every runner who is testing their limits by running 13.1 miles for The Sussex Beacon.

Glencairn Consulting are an independent IT consulting company providing Enterprise Architecture services to companies across financial, public, private and charity sectors. They specialise in major change programs and above all bring years of experience delivering new technologies in cost saving delivery methodologies. Andrew very generously supports a variety of good causes any way he can. 

Andrew is a keen runner himself and advocates the physical and mental benefits of running.

There is nothing better than to go out for an early morning run and let problems resolve through the run. Running in groups and events are a great method of pushing your limits to get to the next goal. For me it’s about pushing yourself to achieve a better time than before. Whilst also enjoying the atmosphere and fun in running”

Why The Grand Brighton Half Marathon?

We are always blown away by Andrews commitment to running and supporting local charities in the process. Andrew has completed many challenge events, and we’re delighted The Grand Brighton Half Marathon remains on his yearly running calendar.

The Brighton Half is a great course and a good starting point for half marathon events. The support along the route is great and you feel encouraged all the way. The location is perfect with a near flat course (albeit a slight incline on first leg). It is a great feeling running along Madeira Drive and finishing knowing you have achieved a goal and made a huge impact on charities like The Sussex Beacon as a result. The Sussex Beacon is a great charity to support and one of my favourites. Team Beacon is a great place to join and become part of a huge running team with encouragement all the way, a private tent for preparing and relaxing in after the event, plus free food to re-charge the batteries.

We asked Andrew to tell us his favourite thing about The Grand Brighton Half Marathon – and we definitely agree!

“The atmosphere. No matter what the weather, the streets are crowded with supporters and it’s an amazing feeling crossing the line knowing what you have achieved personally and for charities.”

Supporting The Sussex Beacon

Andrew has been a supporter and volunteer at The Sussex Beacon for many years. A vital part of the team, he always goes above and beyond to support the organisation any way he can.

“I have been personally involved with the Sussex Beacon for about 5 years now and as a HIV Positive man, I know the services they provide are vital to our community. Not only in Brighton but the surrounding areas too. The team provide valuable services to anyone affected by HIV and are fully supportive and inclusive. Sponsoring Team Beacon allows me to give something back to The Sussex Beacon. Helping to raise awareness of their cause whilst encouraging runners to join Team Beacon.”

We are incredibly fortunate for Andrew’s invaluable support. Without ongoing supporters and volunteers like Andrew and Glencairn Consulting, we simply wouldn’t exist.

If you would like to join Team Beacon, please visit the Team Beacon page for full details or register via the ‘Enter 2020’ button. If you would like to volunteer for The Sussex Beacon or support the charity in other ways however, please visit The Sussex Beacon website.


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January 14, 2019 at 12:05 pm

Charity news  |  Race news  |  The 2019 race

Run for Team RISE and help people live free from domestic abuse and violence

Our vision is a world free from domestic abuse – where each and every person has the right to be in a safe, supportive, and equal relationship, and nobody is afraid of what will happen to them when they go home. If you agree with us, why not run the Brighton Half Marathon for RISE in 2019, the year we celebrate our 25th anniversary!

For 25 years we’ve provided comfort, advice, solace and safety to people living in Brighton & Hove and beyond, but without important fundraising events like the Brighton Half Marathon we simply wouldn’t be able to continue our vital work.

We don’t for a minute under-estimate the hard work, sacrifice, chafing and blisters it takes to complete a 13 mile run… and are so grateful to each and every amazing person who chooses to run for us! We will do our utmost to look after you and support you every step of the way, whether this is your first Half Marathon or you are a seasoned distance runner.

Run For Rise >>

It’s important to us to give you the best experience possible, and will provide:

  • A fabulous goody-bag overflowing with treats (all kindly donated from an array of awesome local companies)
  • Access to the RISE tent in the athlete’s village on race day for you, your friends and family. Our tent promises to be awash with all the cake you can eat, and plenty of hugs.
  • A fetching hot pink running vest to make you stand out to our teams of cheer squads
  • A warm feeling from knowing you’re helping RISE support people affected by domestic abuse in the city

But don’t just take our word for it, one of last year’s RISE runners said: “I was proud to support a local, Brighton charity that is so important. The charity tent was lovely. The staff were supportive and friendly before and after the event. The range of refreshments was very welcome – as well as spare safety pins!”

A staggering 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime. With the help of our supporters RISE is able to offer the following support to people living in Brighton & Hove:

  • The only local domestic abuse helpline
  • A refuge with room for 15 families in urgent need
  • An LGBTQ+ service for survivors of domestic abuse which was the first in England
  • Support with housing, finance, criminal and civil proceedings
  • Counselling and support groups
  • Drop-ins and case-work

Enter here >>


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December 9, 2018 at 5:00 am

Charity news  |  Race news  |  The 2019 race

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Run with Team Beacon and support the charity behind The Grand Brighton Half Marathon!

Run with Team Beacon and support the charity behind The Grand Brighton Half Marathon!

Over the last three years of The Grand Brighton Half Marathon, Team Beacon has rapidly grown with 600 runners fundraising over £86,000 for The Sussex Beacon. Thanks to their dedicated support and generosity, we have been able to provide specialist care and support to many people living with HIV.

2018 was a big year for Team Beacon, as we provided extra special and exclusive facilities in the race village for our runners to maximize the race day experience for Team Beacon. We were thrilled to meet our runners, to celebrate with them as they proudly posed with their medals for free professional photos and to congratulate them with well-deserved sweet treats and hot soup.

Check out the feedback from our 2018 Team Beacon here.

Due to the fantastic feedback and rocketing Team Beacon sign up numbers for the 2019 race, our team are busy working on an even better marquee for our dedicated runners and supporters. Our spectacular Team Beacon marquee promises to deliver an exclusive baggage area, warming and delicious catering, photographer, comfy seating, motivational music, post-race reception and much more – all in one place in the race village! Thanks to our loyal sponsor Glencairn Consulting Ltd, our runners will also receive their technical Team Beacon running vest straight to their door, so they can train proudly in their team colours. Fundraising resources, competitions, training runs and race day information is just a few taps away with our Team Beacon Facebook Group, where runners can ask questions and share training tips. All runners will be supported by our Challenge Events Fundraiser from the moment they sign up, to the moment they receive their personalised celebratory certificate in March 2019.

The Sussex Beacon needs you!

Over 101,000 people live with HIV in the UK, a number which increases every day. With daily medication people living with HIV can lead normal lives, however many suffer with psychological effects and HIV-related illnesses, such as cancer and dementia. The complex combination of HIV and related illnesses require specialist treatment. Brighton has the 2nd highest HIV prevalence in the UK, and access to specialist care and support is vital. With a 10-bed inpatient unit, The Sussex Beacon provides 24 hour medical and psychological care to people struggling with a new diagnosis, starting new medication, recovering from HIV-related cancer treatment and dementia, requiring family services and end of life care. Most of all, it provides a safe, comforting place for patients in their time of need. You can help us continue to offer support to those who need it most.

If you would like to be a part of Team Beacon and experience a race day like no other, find out more and secure your place now.


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November 29, 2018 at 4:54 pm

Charity news  |  Race news  |  The 2019 race

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Meet the charity behind the event

 

The Brighton Half Marathon celebrates its 29th birthday on race day 2019 – but did you know the race is a charity event, organised by local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon? As World Aids Day approaches on 1st December, find out about the local charity behind a very big race.

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is The Sussex Beacon’s largest fundraising event each year, where we welcome 12,000 runners and thousands of spectators to celebrate running in the city. Unbeknownst to many, The Sussex Beacon has been involved in the event since its early days in the 1990s.

The Sussex Beacon cause

Brighton has the 2nd highest HIV prevalence in the UK, and access to specialist care and support is vital. With a 10-bed inpatient unit, The Sussex Beacon provides 24 hour medical and psychological care to people struggling with a new diagnosis, starting new medication, recovering from HIV-related cancer treatment and dementia, requiring family services and end of life care. Most of all, it provides a safe, comforting place for patients in their time of need.

Over 100,000 people live with HIV in the UK, a number which increases every day. With daily medication people living with HIV can lead normal lives, however many suffer with psychological effects and HIV-related illnesses, such as cancer and dementia. The complex combination of HIV and related illnesses require specialist treatment.

World Aids Day

Saturday 1st December marks World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS. It’s an opportunity for our community (and the world!) to unite in the fight against HIV, to remember those who have died, and to show our support for those living with HIV today.

Show your support

The Sussex Beacon has its own running team in the event – Team Beacon. If you already have a general race place you can also fundraise for the charity as an ‘own place runner‘- every little amount of fundraising really does help. You could also show your support on race day by rocking a red ribbon on your race kit.

Find out more about the wider work of The Sussex Beacon on the charity’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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January 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Chestnut Tree House

Support your local children’s hospice in their 15th birthday year – join #TeamChestnut today!

Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for East and West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and South East Hampshire and cares for 300 children and young adults.

Since opening in 2003, they have provided specialist palliative care to babies, children and young people with progressive life-shortening conditions and support for their families – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.

Chestnut Tree House helps families live For the Now. They are the hand that reassures, a hug that comforts, a safe port in a sea of life-changing diagnoses and round-the-clock care.

Now is precious moments that give a lifetime of memories, the chance to be a parent for a few hours, rather than a carer, and the opportunity for kids to just be kids, to do all the things that kids their age should do. Now is all about exploring, creating, enjoying and treasuring. And for supporters it’s all about the high of doing something important, something that they didn’t think they could do. It’s about making their own memories whilst making a difference.

Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice is celebrating its 15th birthday this year, and they want to encourage people of all ages across Sussex and South East Hampshire to take on a challenge to mark the occasion, live For the Now and help them to continue caring for local life-limited children and families.

So make this a year for taking on a challenge. For crossing the finish line. For yourself. For local families. For living. For the Now.

Make your half marathon count – join the Chestnut Tree House 15th birthday team today!

Watch the video below to find out more about our work and read more on the Chestnut Tree House website: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/brightonhalf

Sign up for a Chestnut Tree House place now >>


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December 7, 2017 at 5:29 pm

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: RISE

 

We don’t for a minute under-estimate the hard-work, sacrifice, chafing and blisters it takes to complete a 13 mile run… which is why we’re so grateful to each and every amazing person who chooses to run for us!

One of our runners in last year’s event said: “It made such a massive difference running for a charity that were really kind and felt like you valued our efforts. RISE takes on such an important role keeping the community safe from domestic abuse, but it was really admirable how much you also managed to take care of me and the other runners today. It was a privilege to run for you.”

In the lead up to the race another runner was given a £10 donation at a local community meeting in Brighton, by someone who said that RISE had helped her leave an abusive situation and start a new life. Our lovely runner decided to carry this £10 note in her pocket during the race, to give her motivation when she started feeling tired at mile 10!

Whether you’ve got your own place or are looking for a charity to run for we’d love you to join Team RISE. In return we’ll give you:

  • Access to support and running seminars through for FREE via our brilliant partners Studio 57.
  • A fabulous goody-bag overflowing with treats (all kindly donated from an array of awesome local companies).
  • Access to the RISE tent in the athlete’s village on race day for you, your friends and family. Our tent promises to be awash with all the cake you can eat, and plenty of hugs.
  • You also get a fetching hot pink running vest to make you stand out to our teams of cheer squads who will be encouraging Team RISE runners on their way around the 13 mile course.

A staggering 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime, but RISE believes that no-one should live in fear of abuse and violence. With the help of our supporters RISE is able to offer the following support to residents of Brighton & Hove:

  • The only local domestic abuse helpline
  • A refuge with room for 15 families in urgent need
  • An LGB&T service for survivors of domestic abuse, which was the first in England
  • Support with criminal and civil proceedings
  • Counselling and support groups
  • Housing and finance information and solicitors appointments

Register here >>


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November 20, 2017 at 9:50 am

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Macmillan Cancer

2.5 million. That’s how many people are currently living with cancer. And with this number set to rise to 4 million by 2030, we need your support more than ever.

Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. It’s a big task and we can’t do it alone so join Team Macmillan now and help us help people affected by cancer.

JOIN TEAM MACMILLAN NOW!

Whether you’ve got your own place or are looking for a charity to run for we’d love you to join us. You’ll get the best support, have the greatest experience and most importantly every step you take will help support people affected by cancer.

In return we’ll support you every step of the way – our amazing runners receive:

  • A fundraising pack full of all the resources you need to smash your fundraising target
  • A free Team Macmillan technical running vest or t-shirt, plus iron on letters to customise your kit
  • Access to the Macmillan training zone to make sure you are fighting fit on race day
  • Newsletters to keep you up to date with Macmillan news and activities
  • The best support on race day from our world-famous cheer-points
  • Exclusive access to our hospitality marquee on race day with much needed refreshments and high fives a plenty.

Help us smash our £130,000 fundraising target which could:

  • help run a large Macmillan information and support centre for a year.
  • support our cancer support specialists run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for a week, answering 2,807 calls and emails from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.
  • pay for a Macmillan nurse for three years, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

Get in touch

We always love hearing from you. Please contact the Running Team on running@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 100 0200 if you have any questions at all.

So what are you waiting for – sign up


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November 13, 2017 at 2:32 pm

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Alzheimer’s Society

You run the Brighton Half Marathon.

We’re in a race to beat dementia.

 Dementia devastates lives. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. But dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer’s Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

You decide to run for us.

We’re right behind you.

 When you run for us, you run with the support of a dedicated team.

  • You’ll commit to a £250 fundraising target and we’ll work with you to reach it. We’ll send you newsletters full of top tips and are always at the end of the phone to talk ideas.
  • You put in the hard miles during training. We make sure you have expert knowledge from our professional coaches RunningWithUs at your fingertips. They’ll be at your disposal throughout your journey and you’ll even get to meet the team at our free half marathon training day in February.
  • On the big day, you’ll give it your all and we’ll be there to shout your name from the rafters. We’ll send you an Alzheimer’s Society running top to represent the team and a hero’s welcome will be waiting at our post-race marquee where you’ll be treated to hot drinks and refreshments.

 

You’ll tackle the home straight like a pro.

We’ll take research in a new direction.

 By running the Brighton Half for us, we can continue to deliver ground-breaking research. Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity funding dementia research into a cure, cause, prevention and care.

£50 could help us investigate how one type of dementia develops by paying to grow one day’s worth of nerve cells in a lab.

£250 could accelerate the search for an effective treatment for vascular dementia by paying for a year’s worth of clinical trial drugs.

£380 could allow a researcher find out more about a specific type of dementia and how we might treat it by studying a person’s genes for a day.

Let’s take on dementia together. Sign up to run the 2018 Brighton Half Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society.

Get in touch

We always love hearing from you. Please contact the Events Team on events@alzheimers.org.uk or call 0330 333 0804 if you have any questions at all. We hope to welcome you to the team soon!


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January 11, 2017 at 6:07 pm

Charity news  |  Race news

Run for Rockinghorse and make a real impact on the lives of children

Rockinghorse are recruiting runners to take part in the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon in 2017 to celebrate their Golden Jubilee and help raise funds for their Sussex Giving for Sussex Children appeal.

2017 represents the Golden Jubilee for the charity – a time for celebration and continuing to make a real impact on the lives of local children.

Rockinghorse intend to allocate 10 centres and services in Sussex each with £50,000 to help them improve, refurbish, and develop their environment for the young people benefitting from their work. By supporting services across Sussex we can continue the legacy of the work of Rockinghorse, enabling them to support children and young people for the next 50 years.

By taking part in the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon and supporting Rockinghorse, we can continue to collectively ensure children’s services across Sussex are the best they possibly can be for our children now and in the future.

James Reilly took part in the Brighton Half Marathon in 2016 for Rockinghorse and raised just over £1,750. Here’s his story…

“Our Daughter Matilda arrived on 11th September 2015, nearly 8 weeks early. It was very sudden which meant that my wife Jenni was not able to get the full dose of steroid treatment to make sure Matilda’s lungs were fully matured before she gave birth. So Matilda had a pretty hard first six weeks in this world!

“Immediately after she was born, Matilda was treated by the Doctors and Nurses at the Special Care Baby Unit, in Haywards Heath, to make sure she was getting enough oxygen to stabilise her before being transferred to The Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton by the Neonatal Transport Team.

“Once at the TMBU, Matilda spent her first 3-4 days in Neonatal Intensive care having been classed as having Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She needed a ventilator and then an OptiFlow machine, both of which helped her little lungs inflate fully and allowed her to get the right amount of oxygen. She also needed phototherapy to treat some Jaundice and a feeding tube so she could grow.

“Later in the week she was downgraded and moved to the High Dependency Ward at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. It was there that she had her first proper breaths in normal air and we began to think about taking her back to SCBU in Haywards Heath and hoped, soon, to take her home.

“Unfortunately, after settling in at the SCBU, Matilda caught a virus and had to go back on OptiFlow breathing support. She then spent a further 7 weeks at the SCBU as the virus really knocked her little lungs which were already pretty weak. Thankfully, a couple of months later, Matilda was given the all clear and is no longer on the oxygen at all.

“I know that must seem far more detail than necessary but I just wanted to mention all the major events in her life so far and the support she received are because the ventilator, the transport incubator, the phototherapy equipment, the drugs, the OptiFlow, the heated cot, the monitoring equipment, the staff, and all the other bits all cost money. Lots of it and, yes the NHS provide some of this, but lots of it is also provided by charities such as Rockinghorse.

“The whole team of Doctors, Nurses and support staff that work in the Alex, SCBU and TMBU do as close a thing to “God’s Work” as I have ever seen and are supported in doing this by this fantastic Charity.

“The equipment that they provide definitely saved Matilda’s life and made her, and us as parents, more comfortable and so I ask, if you can, please take part in the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon and give something back for what they have done for me, Jenni and our beautiful, strong, amazing little girl Matilda.

Thank You

From James, Jenni and Matilda”

To sign up to run the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon for Team Rockinghorse, please contact their Events Fundraising Co-ordinator, Hannah Seltzer on 01273 330044 or email Hannah.seltzer@rockinghorse.org.uk.

 


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January 5, 2017 at 7:00 am

Charity news  |  Race news

Run for Shelter

Make your run really matter – join Team Shelter

This Christmas morning, 124,000 children in Britain woke up homeless. Shocking, isn’t it? By running the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon for Shelter you could help make sure that this year, they have somewhere safe to call home.

Every year, Shelter supports millions of people facing bad housing or homelessness, giving them free and expert advice.

In the video below, you can hear from Kimberley, who talks about her family’s experience of spending Christmas without a home.

What Shelter can offer its runners

The support Shelter gives its runners is hard to beat. They’ll do everything they can to help you prepare for race day and to meet your fundraising target.

As a Shelter runner, you’ll receive:

  • a free Shelter running vest
  • an expert training plan
  • one-to-one fundraising advice
  • a free leg massage and a post-race reception to enjoy with your supporters
  • encouragement from the loudest cheerers on the course

Interested in running for Team Shelter in 2017? Sign up here today.


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December 29, 2016 at 7:00 am

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Chestnut Tree House

Support your local children’s hospice – join #TeamChestnut today!

Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for Sussex and South East Hampshire.   They provide specialist palliative care and support to babies, children and young people with progressive life-shortening conditions and support for their families.

They offer a range of services which include pain control, symptom relief, skilled nursing care, counselling, spiritual care, physiotherapy, and bereavement support for families and relatives.  They also have some fantastic facilities at the hospice, including a hydrotherapy pool, music room, cinema room, multi-sensory room and specially adapted computer equipment.

A respite stay at Chestnut Tree House not only provides palliative and physical care for the child, but also gives family members the opportunity to benefit from a break from care at home for a short while. If the family wishes to, they may stay at Chestnut Tree House in one of their specially equipped family rooms so that they may be close to their child, but at the same time allowing the nursing team to undertake the daily care. Being able to provide this facility is particularly important when a child is admitted to the hospice for end of life care.  They also have a Community Team who provide care in the comfort of families’ own homes.

Families are never charged for the care they receive. It costs well over £3.5 million each year to provide all the care services both at the hospice and out in the community and less than 7% of their funding comes from central government. For the rest they rely on the generosity of the people of Sussex and fundraising events like the Brighton Half Marathon.

Make your half marathon count – join the Chestnut Tree House team today!

Watch the video below to find out more about our work and read more on the Chestnut Tree House website: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/brightonhalf

 

Eva’s story from St Barnabas Hospices on Vimeo.


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December 22, 2016 at 7:00 am

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Macmillan

At Macmillan, we know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything and we’re here to support cancer sufferers, their friends, families and carers from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen – we’ll always be there.

With 2.5 million people currently living with cancer we need your support more than ever. By running and fundraising for Team Macmillan in the Brighton Half you will help ensure that none of these people face cancer alone. Our specific charity places in the race have now sold out, but if you already have a standard place, we’d love you to join us.

In return we’ll support you every step of the way – our amazing runners receive:

  • A fundraising pack full of all the resources you need to smash your fundraising target
  • A free Team Macmillan technical running vest or t-shirt, plus iron on letters to customise your kit
  • Access to the Macmillan training zone to make sure you are fighting fit on race day
  • Newsletters to keep you up to date with Macmillan news and activities
  • The best support on race day from our world-famous cheer-points
  • Exclusive access to our hospitality marquee on race day with much needed refreshments and high fives a plenty.

So help us make history and smash our £130,000 fundraising target which could:

  • help run a large Macmillan information and support centre for a year
  • support our cancer support specialists run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for a week, answering 2,807 calls and emails from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.
  • pay for a Macmillan nurse for three years, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

What are you waiting for? – sign up now!


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December 15, 2016 at 5:45 pm

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: WaterAid

As a runner you rely on water to keep you hydrated and healthy when you run. Imagine if you had to walk for hours every day to collect the water you drink and you knew this water could make you ill. This is a daily reality for 768 million people globally. WaterAid believe everyone, everywhere can have clean water and sanitation by 2030.  Watch Grace’s story in this video:

Want to make a difference and run the 2017 race for WaterAid? Join the WaterAid team today.

 

 

 


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December 8, 2016 at 9:09 am

Charity news  |  Race news

Charity of the Week: Rise

Over the next few weeks we’ll be profiling our headline and four Pier partner charities. This week, our Charity of the Week is RISE.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. It could be happening to someone you know. RISE runs a helpline, refuges, offers counselling, financial and legal advice, and specialist support for children and LGBT support. In 2016 over 300 runners chose to run for freedom from domestic abuse and raised over £70,000. This was RISE’s single largest fundraising event and the money could help fund its Helpline for a whole year.

Join Team RISE here

 

 
Watch the video to see RISE runners at last year’s Vitality Brighton Half Marathon.