AROUND 1,750 walkers descended on Eastbourne’s coastline on Sunday (14 June) to take part in the annual Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge, helping to raise more than £14,000 for charity.
The popular event, organised by Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, saw participants of all ages tackle the unique coastal route to the iconic Beachy Head Lighthouse. Funds raised will support St Wilfrid’s Hospice and a number of other charitable causes.
Rotarian Martin Wellings said: “What a day!” he said. “The walk was enjoyed by so many people, and we are thrilled by the very high level of support for this event.
“Walkers came from far and wide, and they all had smiles on their faces as they walked and then completed the challenge.
“It was a tremendous day all round. Thank you to everyone who made this a very, very special day for Eastbourne.”
Participants gathered on Eastbourne seafront before making their way to the check-in area at Whitbread Hollow. From there, walkers crossed the South Downs to Cow Gap before descending to the beach and navigating rocks, boulders, sand and slippery seaweed to reach the lighthouse itself.
“The feeling when you reach the lighthouse is always a special one, a real sense of achievement,” Martin added.
“Of course, there is then the journey back, but it was a lovely day and everyone could admire the wonderful scenery of our beautiful town.”
The Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge was first launched in 2013 as part of the Save the Stripes campaign, which aimed to raise £30,000 to repaint the lighthouse’s distinctive red and white bands.
Without the restoration work, the famous stripes would have gradually faded from the landmark that has become synonymous with Eastbourne’s coastline.
Following the success of the original campaign, Eastbourne AM Rotary Club has continued to organise the challenge each year with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers.
The event can only take place on a limited number of days each year, as participants are able to walk around the base of the lighthouse only during suitable spring tides, daylight hours and weekend conditions.
More than a decade on from its launch, the challenge remains one of Eastbourne’s most distinctive fundraising events, attracting thousands of walkers while showcasing some of the area’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
