The ABC Fund was founded in 1991 by the incredible Anne Bickmore. What began as a small, voluntary effort has grown over the years into a dedicated team raising funds and organising activities for local children and families in and around Peacehaven.

Anne’s mission has always been simple — to help as many local children and families as possible. From providing food hampers to arranging trips to the Christmas pantomime and summer picnics at National Trust parks, the charity works hard to create special memories for those who need it most.

Over the years, the charity has also introduced shopping vouchers, supplied equipment for holiday play schemes, donated 1,500 colouring books and crayons to the local hospital, and provided trauma teddies for the ambulance service.

Anne’s motto says it all: “Putting smiles on children and their families.”

On Sunday 1st March, I will be taking part in the Brighton Half Marathon.

My running journey has been a relatively short one, as I only began in July last year. Before that, I couldn’t have run for a bus, and I was certainly one of those children who did everything possible to avoid PE at school! However, here I am now, training for and preparing to complete a half marathon.

When I signed up last summer, the weather was warm, bright, and sunny. The early mornings were light, and running felt easy and enjoyable. What I failed to factor in, however, was the reality of the English winter — darker mornings, colder temperatures, and plenty of rain.

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, I set my target time, committed to an eight-week training plan, and have stuck to it — come rain or even more rain.

I am raising funds for a truly wonderful charity founded by Anne Bickmore. Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated and will help Anne and her volunteers continue their incredible work supporting local children and families.

Thank you so much for your support.

Sam x