Cuckfield & Lindfield's Rotary stalwarts and the South Downs Marathon Walk

Undeterred by the cancellation of the South Downs Marathon Walk back in November, two Cuckfield and Lindfield Rotarians decided to do it anyway - on their own. The walk began in daylight at the Amex Stadium in Brighton and ended in darkness 43 km (26 miles) later at Eastbourne. No spring chickens, Andy Harrison (71), President of the Club and Philip Harrison (76) had been training for the event for weeks.

Waving goodbye to their transport at the Amex Stadium, they set off uphill to join the South Downs Way on the estimated 12 hour hike. First, they made their way over higher ground at Woodingdean, then descended to cross the River Ouse at Southease. before continuing on to Firle Beacon.

Progress over the Seven Sisters later on was hindered by the strong wind, which threatened to toss them over the edge at times. A short respite by the National Trust Café at Birling Gap was welcome as night fell and the rain got harder. With head torches on, and eyes down, Andy and Philip tackled the last six kilometres touching down earlier than expected at 6.15pm.

From family and friends, members of the Rotary Club of Cuckfield & Lindfield raised sponsorship of over £8,500 in support of the magnificent effort. At the next Business Meeting the Club decided on donations to:
The hospices of St Peter & St James and Chestnut Tree House
Family Support Work
Food Bank
Safe in Sussex
Mind in Brighton & Hove
Crawley Open House
Shelter Box
Impact

The Club also conducted an online Christmas Appeal specially for families in need, severely affected by Covid-19, and a street collection in Lindfield. If you would be interested in knowing more about a great group of people who enjoy making a difference, see: www.rotarycl.org

Carry on Volunteering

By David Wilson The coronavirus catastrophe has brought out the best in us. Immediately the lockdown started, notes were slipped through the doors of people who had been instructed to self-isolate. They were from younger, able-bodied individuals who were taking the initiative to identify vulnerable neighbours and make arrangements to help them during their self-isolation. It demonstrates that there is a massive amount of goodwill in the community for volunteering to help others. This spirit has been tapped for the last 37 years by Cuckfield and Lindfield Rotary. In the beginning, a bunch of 43 year olds got together to make a difference in the community. Over the years they have raised nearly half a million pounds for local causes and for their International projects. They have also done some serious practical work for local mental health care and other establishments. Youth work ranges from reading assistance in primary schools to teenage competitions and sponsoring candidates for leadership courses. The great thing is that all this is done with friends, so it’s a lot of fun too! Not only that, but the same things are being done by like-minded people all over the world, 1.2 million of them!

To find out more or to join in pick up August’s issue of Lindfield Life now.