Athletico donate funds to hospice

South Coast Athletico, who describe themselves as a team that likes to do things a bit differently, raised the funds by completing a walk from Eastbourne Pier to Hastings Pier – a distance of 15.2 miles – in eight hours.

Team manager Neil Sutcliffe said: “It was an outstanding effort by the team. The walk was definitely challenging even for the fittest in the group.

“There were a couple of casualties but it was so worthwhile as, thanks to the friends, families and work colleagues, we’ve raised a lot of money for the club and for Chestnut Tree.

“One of the squad also brought our efforts to the attention of Barclays Bank in Bexhill, who have very kindly agreed to match the money SCA have donated for this fantastic cause.”

Chestnut Tree is the children’s hospice for Sussex and is a charity that South Coast Athletico were keen to support. Neil added: “A few of the lads, as well as the team management, have young children and have been touched in some way, either directly or indirectly, by the cause of Chestnut Tree.

“We thought it would be a nice charity to support as it is hard for people to understand when such illnesses affect children. This is what we could do to help, raise funds for the charity to help them support the families.”

It costs more than £3.5 million every year for Chestnut Tree to offer their care to children and families.

Abi Harley, community fundraiser for Chestnut Tree, said: “We’ve been asking people to put their Hands Up! if they can help us reach more families. South Coast Athletico have stepped up to the challenge and raised an impressive amount and we would like to say a massive thank you to them and everyone that supported them in their challenge.”