A Hastings man has teamed up with a group of runners to run from Brighton Pier to Hastings Pier in memory of his father.

Conor O'Brien organised the RUN4SMH fundraiser for St Leonards-based St Michael's Hospice because the charity cared for his dad, John.

The event is taking place on February 13, 2027.

Conor said: “My dad was 70 when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in February 2025. Cancer was then found to have spread to his liver and he passed away in March this year.

placeholder image — Conor O'Brien with his dad, John

“My dad really was an amazing man, very naturally caring for anyone he met. He was my best friend and had a passion for supporting those with learning disabilities, autism and Down syndrome, which he pursued as a career after we moved to Hastings.

“During my dad's two weeks in the hospice I decided at the last minute to enter the Hastings Half Marathon to try and raise money for the hospice. I was taken aback by the support, as I managed to raise £1,700 in just one week.

“Everyone at St Michael’s Hospice made his last few weeks so very special. He actually perked up in his first week there, and the nurses, reception staff and volunteers were just amazing.

“Following his passing, I have really struggled personally with coping with it all, but the hospice hasn't stopped supporting me. I am now receiving one-to-one counselling with a counsellor, who is just amazing and is really helping me.

“The hospice will always be very important to me to support and that’s why I decided to organise RUN4SMH.

“The challenge is a 75k run from Brighton Pier to Hastings Pier. A group of 10 of us will run the entire distance with others all having their own personal experiences on why they want to fundraise for the hospice. We have gained a lot of interest from runners joining us for stints along the way.”

Conor set up an Instagram page: @RUN4SMH.

A JustGiving page can be found at www.justgiving.com/page/run4smh.