Fundraising run from Eastbourne to Battle raises £5,000

Joe Cruttenden, from Bexhill, completed a nearly 50-mile coastal route from Eastbourne to Battle on Saturday, August 23, as part of his 'Big Run for Gaza,' raising funds for the Al Mawasi community.

The route took him through Bexhill, Hastings, Pett and Rye.

Mr Cruttenden said: "I chose to run on Saturday. I have the luxury of being able to choose when, where, and how long I run for. The people I ran for on Saturday, they don't have a choice.

"They are being forced to run, to flee for their lives, and have been forced to run for many, many, many years, even as far back as the Nakba of 1948 when 750,000 people were forced to either run or walk away from the towns and the villages where they had called home their whole lives, and they still are not allowed to go back.

Joe had support all along the way from fellow runners and cyclists who accompanied him along different stretches of the route. (Image: Katy Colley)

"So I feel privileged to have the freedom to choose where and when I run."

He completed the run in just over eight hours, joined along the way by supporters on foot and bike.

Mr Cruttenden said he was "blown away" by the response, with donations climbing throughout the day to reach £5,074.

The fundraiser supports the fishing community of Al Mawasi, which has long-standing links with Hastings through the Hastings Friends of Al Mawasi group.

The group has raised funds for solar panels, internet access, a well, women's workshops, a bakery, food parcels and education.

Since 2021, the group has also run English language classes and built wider community ties.

His fundraiser remains open at gofund.me/b57d0c37.

On July 16, Hastings Borough Council formally recognised its friendship with Al Mawasi by passing a motion of support.

Finally sitting down after 47 miles on the steps of Battle Abbey. (Image: Katy Colley)

Mr Cruttenden is no stranger to endurance feats.

Earlier this year, he completed his first 100-mile ultramarathon and previously raised funds for Mind UK with a Sunrise to Sunset walk.

He said that while he felt tired during Saturday’s run, encouragement from friends and supporters along the route kept him going.

Mr Cruttenden is already considering future challenges, including a 120-mile run along the Sussex coastline.

He is currently recovering at home in Bexhill and treating himself to "fry ups of sausages, eggs and curly fries."