What a weekend!
It all started on Saturday 11th April in Preston Park. Over 30 people from across the Grace Eyre community came together for a memorable and inspiring day at Brighton Miles.
Brighton Miles is a 1‑mile event that is held as part of Brighton Marathon Weekend It gives people the opportunity to walk, run or wheel the course at their own pace. Team Grace Eyre joined the inclusive wave, which welcomes people who are neurodiverse and/or have a disability.
Our team was made up of Grace Eyre staff, friends and family of all ages and people we support. Brighton Miles is all about celebrating our community, challenging barriers and showing what people with a learning disability and autistic people can achieve when given the right support.
For some people, the mile was an enjoyable walk through the park. For others, it was a personal challenge and the equivalent of running their own marathon. In the end, however, everyone made it around the course with plenty of smiles – especially when they collected their medal at the finish line!
The first person to pass the finish for Grace Eyre was Lulu who had prepared for Brighton Miles by taking on a sponsored walk for Grace Eyre and then leading a series of weekend walks for others in the community. Lulu was determined to make it round in good time – and she did!
Meanwhile, Toby – a former employee, current Grace Eyre Housing tenant and all-round legend – made his way around the course with the help of a walking frame. As Toby crossed the finish line, everyone cheered and loudly chanted his name. It was an unforgettable and emotional moment that captured the supportive and celebratory spirit of the day.
All money raised through Brighton Miles will help fund Grace Eyre projects and services that support people to try new things, learn skills and become more independent.
If you feel inspired, you can still sponsor the team.
After the event, many of the participants came together at The Joker Pub at Preston Circus to celebrate their achievement.
Brighton Marathon Weekend continued
The fun continued on Sunday 12th April where runners took part in both the 10k and the full marathon.
Rebecca Smith took part in the 10k and David Matthews and Kerrie Monks ran the marathon. They all did brilliantly!
We are very grateful to all of them for their fundraising efforts.
A big thanks
Thanks so much to everyone who participated, cheered, donated and supported throughout the weekend.
And thank you to The Joker Pub for sponsoring the t‑shirts worn by everyone taking part, as part of our new partnership.
Get involved!
If you are interested in taking part in next year’s Brighton Miles on Saturday 3rd April 2027, please email us at fundraising@grace-eyre.org so we can keep in touch.