Latest brighton & hove news: in brief
BURNING THE CLOCKS PINS HOPES ON CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
The Same Sky team has started a new crowdfunding campaign for this year’s Burning the Clocks. The team is trying to raise enough money “to ignite Brighton with a dazzling fire show and spectacular firework display” at the Burning the Clocks celebration on Friday 21 December.
Crowdfunding works when each member of a crowd gives a little then tells their friends in the hope that they give a little too. Same Sky said that everyone who gives will get something back in return, with a range of rewards on offer.
Each year about 2,000 people take part. They make their own paper and willow lanterns which are paraded through the streets of Brighton before being burnt on the beach to mark the year’s end. About 20,000 spectators usually turn out for the event which culminates in a fire show and fireworks display when a massive sculpture is burnt against a backdrop of live music.
The Same Sky team said that up to £4,000 was needed to “create the breathtaking display that we’d like to end the night”. They urged supporters to visit www.buzzbnk.org/burningtheclocks
SCORES TURN OUT FOR NOON WALK AND RAISE £12K FOR MARTLETS
More than 100 men and boys turned out for the Noon Walk in aid of the Martlets Hospice, many in fancy dress. The 13-mile walk along the coast is expected to net more than £12,000 for the hospice, which is based in Hove.
Superintendent Simon Nelson was among those taking part, with his two teenage sons. He recently blogged about his treatment for stomach cancer. And during the walk he tweeted: “The Martlets offers sunshine to those who face clouds.”
The Martlets director of fundraising Robert Griffiths said: “We felt the sun was shining for us and it gave the event a very special atmosphere. On behalf of everyone at the hospice I’d like to thank all those who supported the Noon Walk. We’re a registered charity and must raise over £8,200 a day to care for our patients and their families. Events like the Noon Walk are a vital part of our fundraising.”
Several hospice supporters and volunteers turned out to help marshal the route, serve refreshments and cheer the walkers on.
PARALYMPIC CYCLING GOLD MEDAL WINNER BACKS BRIGHTON RIDERS
Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey has sent a message of support to fellow cyclists as they aim to raise funds at an event in Brighton on Saturday (27 October). Britain’s most decorated female Paralympic athlete – she won four golds at the London Games – said: “Enjoy the day and take the time to congratulate yourselves for the fantastic work you are doing.
“My very best wishes to everyone taking part in this year’s Cycle Challenge to raise such vital funds to support the work of organisations doing research to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. Your work and fundraising is an example of the good that can come from tragedy and is honouring the memory of those who have been lost to this disease.”
The event, Pedal in Preston Park, will be raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Martlets Hospice. It is being held at Britain’s oldest velodrome, which is 125 years old. The aim is to cycle 13,000 laps of the track, or 9,000km, the distance from Brighton to Brazil, as the Olympic torch passes from London to Rio de Janeiro.
Members of two Brighton cycling clubs – Preston Park Youth Cycle Club and VC Jubilee – are taking part. Any cyclist can sign up at www.pedalinprestonpark.co.uk
