Workers from Staverton Nursery raise money for Chailey Heritage

A father of four has completed his first ever marathon raising money for a school where his young son Seth attends.

Seth Hart is a bright six-year-old with a severe muscle disease. He cannot move unaided and is ventilated 24/7 via a tracheostomy.

For the past two years, he has been going to school at Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey, which supports children and young people with complex disabilities.

Dad Tom, 30, says Chailey Heritage is 'an amazing place where his son thrives' so when six of his family and friends decided to run a marathon, it was obvious who to raise money for.

And that's what the seven of them did recently, completing the very challenging Beachy Head Marathon in Eastbourne, as Team Staverton.

So far they have raised more than £12,000 - and they are hoping for more donations from supporters in the coming weeks.

Tom Hart, 30, said:

"None of us had even run a marathon before, and we started running around the lanes locally in Halland.

"We trained hard but in perfect weather conditions. For the race itself, it was so different with rain and strong winds. It was a gruelling challenge on the hills, slippery and muddy at times." 

"We were all so chuffed, so pleased to have run the marathon, and for such a good cause.

"Chailey Heritage Foundation is an amazing and fantastic place. Seth has thrived so much since going there and he absolutely loves going to school each day.

"Being at Chailey Heritage has opened up a whole world of social, learning and physical opportunities for him.

"The care, support and teaching given to Seth throughout his school day is second to none.

"The charity has given him the opportunity to do things that we never thought he would be able to do.