FOLVH'S TEAM of runners complete BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON 26 AND RAISE OVER £5k

Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital (FOLVH) recruited a team of runners who gathered at the starting line on Sunday March 1st 2026 and together collectively ran the Brighton Half Marathon (BH) and collectively raised over £5,000. FOLVH runners not only trained for the BH but they also fundraised and were able to raise a substantial amount from generous family, friends, work colleagues and work initiatives.

Before the run: Florrie Wormold, Harriet Sallis, Jess Pryor, Helen Tilling, Jon Sword, Florence Bailey, Richard Bailey, James Mepham, Harry Curteis, Danny Pedroza - FOLVH Team BH 26  at Peace Statue, Hove.

Fundraising and recruitment of runners started the year before and included a Valentine's Day 'takeover' at Malling Parkrun to engage the running community in running for the hospital and support an existing successful community initiative.  FOLVH trustees who marshalled at the 'takeover' included: Julie Barnett, Simon Baillie-Hamilton, Sarah Foster, Sarah Pearson, Rick Ross, Jane Sallis in addition to FOLVH friends including Susy Furner, Ethan Palmer and Jess Renner as well as FOLVH Team BH26 runners Florence Bailey, Richard Bailey, Harry Curteis, James Mepham, Jon Sward, and Helen Tilling. This happy event was recorded in the community report https://www.parkrun.org.uk/mallingrec/news/2026/02/15/valentines-day-parade/

Malling parkrun Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital Valentines day 'takeover'.

FOLVH team of eleven runners came from: Malling Parkrun, Lewes Athletic Club, Friends of FOLVH trustees, and school kids in Lewes who had moved away but came back to run as adults and support the hospital!

FOLVH displayed a large photo of the team in Lewes Tourist Information window in centre of Lewes, with the runners messages about their running: such as:

“Running to me is always great for clearing my head.”

“The stretch of the legs, a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance to push myself and listen to my body”

"To me, running is one of the most natural expressions of human capability".

"It's a good excuse to get outside onto the downs and get some fresh air... it's a nice way to de-stress."

This window (centre pic below) demonstrated the effort and sense of commitment the runners made to their fundraising for the hospital. Runners shared this public story with their family and friends and in turn it raised morale and fundraising.  

On the day of the race, March 1st, it was cold and rainy initially, yet the runners beat the odds and reached personal best times for the race.

Richard Bailey making the finish line in 1:33, whilst Florrie Wormold, Harriet Sallis and Jess Pryor ran together as friends and still achieved personal bests.

Jane Sallis (FOLVH trustee) marshalled for BH for the third year running arriving at the crack of dawn to help and finishing after most of the runners had got home and warmed up.

All runners were pleased to have their medals.

Medal Time ! Richard and Florence Bailey after the race, Helen Tilling warming up at home and Marshal Jane Sallis with daughter Harriet Sallis (left) who ran with Lewes school friend Florrie Wormold alongside organiser Sarah Pearson.

A ENORMOUS THANK YOU TO TEAM FOLVH BH 26.

The next mission that runners Danny Pedroza, Jon Sward and Helen Tilling have decided to accept

is to help us find our 2027 team. So, more to follow!

HELP US FIND OUR TEAM FOLVH BH27

For details contact: folvhevents@folvh.org