TWO Brighton charities joined forces for a fantastic fundraising day at Hove Lagoon with Sussex businesses making a splash.

The Starr Trust and Rockinghorse children’s charity hosted the Starr Water Wars Challenge which saw participants take part in a series of water-based tasks in a bid to be crowned 2018 champions.

Sixteen teams of four competitors went head-to-head in a number of challenges, including giant paddle boarding, kayaking, raft building and the finale – a raft race across the lagoon!

With monies continuing to come in, in excess of £5000 was raised to support the important work of both these children’s charities.

The Starr Trust supports young people aged 10-18 to fulfil their potential in Art, Sport and Education and Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

Hosted by Latest TV presenter Guy Lloyd, competitors welcomed the September sunshine as teams battled to become Starr Water Wars champions.

There was a lot of intense (playful!) team rivalry but following a thrilling finale, Brightview Lofts were crowned the winners, with 2nd place going to Sheridan Coopers and Jurys Inn coming in 3rd.

Other businesses that participated were: Accordance VAT, Beales, Clearline, Coole Bevis, Crunch, Enterprise Rentals, Gardiner & Scardifield, Green People, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Seico Mortgages and the Treatment Rooms.

Rosie Molloy, fundraising manager at The Starr Trust, said “We are so grateful to all the businesses that put in teams, especially Beales and Airsprung who were our headline sponsors for the third year running.

“Everyone had such a fantastic time, and the gorgeous sunshine, delicious bbq courtesy of Steyning Butchers and marquee donated by ABC Structures all helped to make the day a huge success.”

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, said: “What a day! Well done to everyone who joined us at Hove Lagoon to make Starr Water Wars such a great event and raise a fantastic amount of money.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of some very generous individuals and businesses such as Green People who were the shirt sponsors.

“Our thanks to all those who helped make the day happen.”

To register your interest and involvement in Starr Water Wars next year, email rosie@starrtrust.com or terrina@rockinghorse.org.uk

The Starr Trust is an independent, family run charity formed to support young people to fulfil their potential. Their income comes entirely from community fundraising and events.