Nicki Conquers the Beachy Head Marathon and Raises an Incredible £1,406 for Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford

Braving fierce winds, driving rain and two falls, local fundraiser Nicola Stuart has completed the challenging Beachy Head Marathon, raising a fantastic £1,406 to support older people in our communities.

What began with a beautiful sunrise in Eastbourne on Saturday 24 October 2026 soon turned into a remarkable test of determination for Nicola Stuart, affectionately known as Nicki.

Taking on the famous 26.2-mile Beachy Head Marathon to raise funds for Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford, Nicki faced some of the toughest weather conditions imaginable. But despite everything the course and the elements threw at her, she made it across the finish line with a smile and an incredible fundraising achievement to celebrate.

A Marathon to Remember – For All the Right Reasons!

The Beachy Head Marathon is renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery, steep climbs and challenging terrain. The route takes participants across the beautiful South Downs and along the dramatic Seven Sisters cliffs.

However, the weather had other plans for Nicki and her fellow runners.

The promising morning sunshine quickly gave way to blustery showers, horizontal rain and powerful gusts of wind. At one point near Beachy Head, a particularly fierce gust actually knocked Nicki off her feet!

As if battling the wind and rain wasn't enough, the slippery, muddy conditions made the course even more demanding. With just one mile remaining, Nicki suffered another fall, landing flat on her back.

For runners who take a little longer to complete the course, these conditions can be especially challenging, as they spend more time exposed to the elements.

Yet Nicki refused to let the weather, the mud or her unexpected tumbles spoil the experience.

Despite everything, she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and was absolutely delighted to cross the finish line.

An Amazing £1,406 Raised for Local Older People

Nicki originally set herself a fundraising target of £500, hoping to make a meaningful contribution to the work of Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford.

Thanks to her determination and the wonderful generosity of everyone who supported her, she went on to raise an outstanding £1,406 – more than £900 above her original target!

This fantastic contribution will help our local charity continue providing valuable services, practical assistance and opportunities for companionship to older people across Hythe, Lyminge, Ashford and the surrounding communities.

Our work includes dementia support, community meals, social activities, day services, information and advice, and helping older people who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.

Every fundraising effort makes a difference, and Nicki's achievement is a wonderful example of how one person's determination can help support an entire community.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Nicki and Her Supporters

Everyone at Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford would like to say an enormous thank you to Nicki for choosing to support our charity and taking on such a demanding challenge.

Her resilience, enthusiasm and generosity have been truly inspiring, particularly given the difficult conditions she faced throughout the marathon.

We would also like to thank every friend, family member, colleague and supporter who sponsored Nicki. Your kindness has helped turn her personal challenge into something that will benefit older people in our local communities.

Nicki, we are incredibly proud of you!

You faced the hills, battled the weather, picked yourself up after two falls and still completed an extraordinary challenge.

Raising £1,406 is a fantastic achievement, and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness, determination and commitment to helping others.

You really have gone the extra mile for Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford – quite literally!

Inspired by Nicki? Help Us Make a Difference

Nicki's wonderful fundraising achievement shows that there are many ways to support older people in our communities.

Whether you would like to take part in a sponsored challenge, organise a fundraising event, volunteer your time or make a donation, your support can help us continue our important local work.

If Nicki's story has inspired you, we'd love to hear from you.

Find out how to fundraise for Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford

You can also read about Nicki's original Beachy Head Marathon fundraising challenge.

Congratulations once again, Nicki, and thank you from everyone at Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford!