Rockinghorse parent trustee kicks off a year of fundraising with the Brighton Half Marathon

Sam Thomas joined thousands of runners in this year’s Brighton Half Marathon, raising money for the charity after his son Luca needed emergency care when he was born.

Sam, from Saltdean, ran in the event to kick off 12 months of fundraising challenges, aiming to raise £10,000 during Rockinghorse’s 55th Emerald anniversary year. 

Sam, the co-founder of County Business Clubs and managing director of Sussex Business Times and FirmBalls, joined the Rockinghorse board in February 2021 as their first Parent Trustee. This was following his family’s experience at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital where his twins were born in 2015.

While daughter Sienna was born without any complications, Sam’s son Luca struggles to survive due to a prolapsed cord. Immediately the medical staff rushed to help him, giving him oxygen and ‘cooling mat’ treatment that stopped his brain from swelling.

Despite these interventions, they were given the devastating news that Luca may not survive and, if he did, he would likely face severe brain damage. But thanks to the dedication and care shown by the incredible staff at the unit, Luca slowly built up his strength and the family started to get more positive feedback from the doctors. 

Eventually, after four weeks, they were finally able to take Luca home to meet Sienna and after two years of monitoring and testing, he reached every milestone along with his sister.

It was at this point that Sam decided to do as much as he could to support Rockinghorse Children’s Charity so that other families who find themselves in the same difficult situation can get all the support they need.

Sam said: “Over the past six years we’ve organised various events, fundraisers and auctions raising funds to go to the people and equipment to whom we literally owe our lives.

“Now, as a Trustee, I aim to continue my support and want to do even more to spread awareness and support for this incredible charity. In this, their 55th year and my first full year as a Trustee, I wanted to make as much of an impact as possible, so I am aiming to raise £10,000 over the year through a variety of events and challenges including lots of running, a 24-hour podcast marathon and even jumping out of a plane!

“This race is the first of many this year and it’s great to get things started with such a wonderful event. It was lovely to see so many supporters along the course, especially the Rockinghorse cheering squad outside the Grand – they really help keep your motivation up.”

Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO said: “This is such a brilliant idea, what an incredible challenge for 2022 and for our Emerald year. We will be helping Sam every step of the way in reaching his goal – from cheering him on at events like this, to staying up with him for his podcast-athon!

“Having someone like Sam on our Team, as such a vocal supporter of the work we do, as well as a committed and passionate Trustee makes such a difference to us. As a small local charity, people like Sam enable us to support thousands of babies, children and their families every year. We can’t wait to get cheering and helping him achieve this marvellous milestone.”

So, if you’ve been inspired to sign up for your own challenge after seeing the runners in this year’s half marathon, take a look at the Rockinghorse website at www.rockinghorse.org.uk or call them on 01273 330044. And to support Sam in his £10k Challenge, just visit his Just Giving Page here.