From left: Simon Tunley, Head of Sport; Ben Ospalak, Duty Manager and charity coordinator, Liz McCluskey from Rockinghorse and Terry Cooper, Deputy Head of Operations, Fitness and Performance

Sussexsport staff preparing for their charity cycle ride to France.

Sussexsport has raised over £3,500 for Rockinghorse Children's Charity, with the help of University of Sussex staff and students.

The local charity, which is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, is the nominated charity of Sussexsport – the sports service at the University.

Sussexsport has been fundraising for Rockinghorse for three years and staff have devised increasingly innovative ways to collect for the charity, yielding £3,614 in funds in the process.

Past events that have helped produce the impressive fundraising total include a spin bike challenge for staff and students across campus, a hidden trophy photo competition and a gruelling 270-kilometre cycle ride to France and back, starting and finishing at the University campus.

An upcoming charity football tournament, open to students, staff and the local community, will continue to raise valuable funds for Rockinghorse.

The Brighton-based charity was set up in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann, who recognised there was a real need for additional resources to improve healthcare services for sick children and babies. Money raised by the charity helps to fund life-saving and cutting-edge medical equipment, while ensuring that children are treated in an environment better suited to their needs.

Now in their 50th year, Rockinghorse are celebrating their golden jubilee with a special Sussex Giving for Sussex Children appeal, supporting a number of children’s centres and services across the county. And the funds raised by University of Sussex staff and students will help to contribute to the charity’s important work, which relies on the generous support of the local community.

Liz McCluskey, Schools and Community Fundraising Manager at Rockinghorse Children's Charity, thanked Sussexsport for their commitment to the charity.

Liz said: “We cannot thank the team from the University of Sussex sports department enough for their continued fundraising efforts. They have organised some fantastic events and fundraised a wonderful amount of money to support our work.

“The funds raised will support our Sussex Giving for Sussex Children appeal launched in celebration of our golden jubilee year. Through the appeal, Rockinghorse aim to raise £500,000 which will be split between 10 children’s centres and paediatric services in Sussex to help them improve, refurbish and develop their environment for the young people benefiting from their work.”

Head of Sport, Simon Tunley, commended Sussexsport staff and the wider University for their fundraising efforts, saying:

“Sussexsport are very proud to support Rockinghorse in its 50th-year appeal and we are extremely pleased to have raised such a large amount for such a great cause. Sussexsport staff voted to support Rockinghorse knowing the great work they do in supporting families during such difficult times - some have experienced first-hand the impact they can have on a child’s life.

“As a staff team, we feel it is important we have a positive impact and strong partnerships with the wider community. The fundraising we do for Rockinghorse has had enormous support from staff and students on campus and we thank everyone who has got involved in our charity events.”

• Donate to Rockinghorse at the Sport Centre or Falmer Sports Complex using the collection buckets at both sites. Or sign up a team for Sussexsport's charity football tournament on Saturday 25 March at Falmer Sports Complex. The fun and friendly 6-a-side tournament will also have a penalty shoot-out, refreshments and prizes from the Co-op supermarket on campus, and a bake sale - and the tournament winners will get a free Zorball session!