Hove runners raise £33k for children's charity

The Run Squad has surpassed its £25,000 fundraising target and raised more than £33,000 for Whoopsadaisy, a Brighton-based charity which helps local children with disabilities.
The Run Squad founders Nick and Jo Rivett visit Easter Holiday Club at Whoopsadaisy SUS-170413-141000001The Run Squad founders Nick and Jo Rivett visit Easter Holiday Club at Whoopsadaisy SUS-170413-141000001
The Run Squad founders Nick and Jo Rivett visit Easter Holiday Club at Whoopsadaisy SUS-170413-141000001

Sixty members of the Hove running club put their best foot forward on Sunday (April 9), running the 26.2 mile Brighton Marathon.

The Run Squad was set up by Jo and Nick the owners of Nick Rivett Sport shop in Hove, five years ago. It now has 200 members, and started supporting Whoopsadaisy in 2015.

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Helen Palmer, Whoopsadaisy trustee, said: “This is an unbelievable amount of money for one group to have raised in just two years. They have also helped to raise awareness of our charity in the local community. The team, children and their families at Whoopsadaisy are grateful to Jo and Nick Rivett and all The Run Squad for building such an amazing team of people who have embraced Whoopsadaisy with all their hearts.”

The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001
The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001

Jo said: “Since setting up the club we have learnt that the benefits to joining are not just about being part of a local running club, it’s also about the social side of it, being part of a community and being passionate about giving something back. When we are training we go through so much together. It’s all about supporting each other.

“We truly believe in the work Whoopsadaisy does and because it’s such a small charity that relies on donations our members can easily see where their money goes and how it makes a difference to these young children.”

Nick added: “Without Whoopsadaisy the club wouldn’t have the team spirit it has today.”

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Some members of the club are not only dedicated to running and fundraising they also volunteer at the charity working closely with the children.

The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001
The Run Squad outside Nick Rivett Sport SUS-170413-141029001

Whoopsadaisy is the only charity in Sussex providing free conductive education to help children with cerebral palsy and other motor conditions to live life as independently as possible. The charity relies entirely on donations and support from the local community.

Conductive education is a system of learning pioneered by the Hungarian physician Dr Andras Peto more than 70 years ago. It helps disabled children meet the physical challenges of everyday life and also focuses on the development of cognitive, social and life skills.

To support The Run Squad’s fundraising effort, click here.

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