Hundreds prepare for Littlehampton 10k Coastal Run

HUNDREDS of people are slipping into their running shoes in preparation for the Chestnut Tree House 10k Coastal Run in Littlehampton this weekend.

The event, set to kick off on Sunday, September 16, will see joggers put to the test along a winding coastal course across Littlehampton and Rustington.

But for many of those taking part in this year’s race it’s more than a simple sprint across the finish line. For some, the run has a poignant and heartfelt meaning behind it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Emily Burton, 32, will be striding out along the seafront on behalf of her friend Gemma Croucher. Gemma tragically lost her 24-day-old son, Finlay, earlier this year and received care and support from Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice throughout this traumatic time.

Emily, who lives in Hove, said: “I have known Gemma since primary school and our mums worked together for many years.

“We got back in contact last year when we both discovered we were expecting baby boys, in January. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet Finlay but have since wanted to help Gemma and this fantastic charity in any way I could.

“Finlay would be the same age as my Henry now and I cannot imagine what she is going through and how she is coping. I am inspired by Gemma’s courage and bravery and want to raise as much money as I can for Chestnut Tree House in Finlay’s memory.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James Real will be running with a team of co-workers. He will be using the memory of his friend’s son, who passed away at the hospice when he was 12, to spur him on.

James said: “Unfortunately, last year my son’s best friend passed away in the care of Chestnut Tree House, just 10 days shy of his 12th birthday. By coincidence, the day I received the email from Stephen, my manager at British Gas, asking us to take on the challenge, happened to be this brave young man’s 13th birthday. It was fate and I had to go ahead!”

Chestnut Tree House event organiser, Leanne Willard, said: “Across Sussex, just one year ago, the only choice for the parents of a very young life-limited baby was to stay in hospital and wait for their tiny child’s time to come to an end.

“We knew we could offer our skills and expertise to make this heart-breaking, painful experience just a little bit more bearable for families in our community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Finlay and his family were one of the first to be cared for by our new neonatal care service and we are proud that the service allowed his parents to have a real choice and spend precious time with him.

“We are now determined to fully establish a specialist children’s neonatal care service at Chestnut Tree House for every tiny baby, and every family, who needs it. In order to do this, we need your support.”

Anyone who would like to take part in the 10k can register online at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or on the day.

Related topics: