RUNNERS who braved the warm weather to take on the gruelling Brighton Marathon have raised thousands of pounds for a children’s charity.

Thirty-three people ran the event at the weekend in aid of Brighton-based Rockinghorse and more than £14,000 has come in so far.

Those who took part in the race included Stuart Batchelor, vice-president at American Express in Brighton.

He was running with friends Mike and Jane Joshi in memory of Scott Mills, who had received treatment at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton and have raised more than £3,300.

Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alex and also supports the specialist Trevor Mann baby unit at the neighbouring Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The charity backs the baby unit at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and other children’s services across Sussex.

Other runners included the charity’s trusts and appeals fundraising manager Louise Bartha, who completed her first marathon in five hours 13 minutes.

She said: “Rockinghorse is a cause close to my heart and both of my sons have relied on the services at the Royal Alex.

“I am so grateful to have this incredible place as our local hospital.”

Rockinghorse events fundraiser Hannah Seltzer thanked the charity’s marathon team.

She said: “We are overwhelmed by the support received again this year.

“Our runners have raised a fantastic amount of money towards our Golden Jubilee appeal.

“We cannot thank them enough for their support.”

The appeal is marking Rockinghorse’s 50th anniversary this year.

The aim is to raise £500,000 during 2017 and the money will be split between ten children’s centres and paediatric services in Sussex.

As well as services at the Royal Sussex, Royal Alex and Princess Royal, the charity will be supporting Bluefin Ward at Worthing Hospital.

The Chailey Heritage Foundation and the Chalkhill child and adolescent mental health unit in Haywards Heath will also be supported.

Others are The Finches short breaks centre for children with complex health and physical needs in Burgess Hill, and The Bungalow in Eastbourne, which provides residential care for young people who cannot live with their families will also benefit.

The final two organisations are Tudor House in Brighton, which provides short breaks for young people who have severe learning disabilities and the Connor Saunders Foundation, which provides defibrillators in schools and football coaching sessions for children with disabilities.