Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge 2022 (photo by Hugh Wilton)Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge 2022 (photo by Hugh Wilton)
Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge 2022 (photo by Hugh Wilton)

PICTURES: Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge 2022

Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge took place at the weekend (Saturday, August 13).

More than 1,200 people took part in this year’s event.

Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, with help from the Round Table, marshalled the event and members from St. John Ambulance were on hand to provide first aid.

A spokesperson from the event said: “A total of £8,974 was raised, half of which will go towards the re-paint of the lighthouse, with the remainder being donated to the RNLI, St. John Ambulance and to a fund for temporary housing for people in Ukraine who have been made homeless as a result of the war.”

The event involves going across the Downs and down to the beach at Cow Gap, followed by a walk by the lighthouse.

The spokesperson added: "Being able to actually walk around the lighthouse can only be done on the very low neap tides, so hence there are only few occasions when this is possible.”

The original purpose of the challenge was to raise funds to paint the landmark’s iconic red and white stripes, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added: “The original target was met, and the painting was done, so now funds are raised for the next paining necessary in a few years’ time.

“This is a great event and a must-do for anyone who has not done it, but you do need to be reasonably fit due to the large rocks when you get near the lighthouse.”

The spokesperson said the Rotary Club of Eastbourne AM helps organise the event.

Money raised this year will also go towards the RNLI, St. John Ambulance and to help send ‘pods’ to provide accommodation for Ukrainians who have lost their homes in the war, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added: “It’s a great and memorable day, capped by a certificate to demonstrate that you have met the challenge.”

All photos from Hugh Wilton.

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