Heathfield man takes up new fundraising challenge for Chailey Hertiage Foundation

Leon takes on a new challenge to raise money for Chailey Heritage Foundation

We covered the Three Peaks Hike and Cycle Challenge last year when a group of friends came together to support Matt Vince in his fundraiser to bring for Chailey Heritage Foundation. The campaign raised an amazing £45,000 in memory of Luna-Rose, Matt and wife Sam’s daughter, who they lost aged just three in October 2022. She was born with a rare genetic condition and had been receiving incredible support from the team at Mid Sussex charity Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Matt really has some great mates. His friend, bricklayer Leon Collen from Heathfield is now going to take on the challenge of the London Marathon to raise more funds for Chailey Heritage Foundation. Leon was part of the Three Peaks Challenge and is pushing himself again this year for the cause. He commented:

“It’s so tough to see your best mate and his wife suffer the loss of their child aged just three. It’s a harrowing experience for anyone. What happened to Matt and his family touched everyone’s hearts and to see your best mate in pieces was indeed harrowing.

“I know how special the Chailey Heritage Foundation is to Matt and Sam, so I want to do my best to help them as much as I can.

“I saw first hand the support the charity provided and little Luna-Rose had a wonderful time at Chailey Heritage. She was learning and developing new skills and growing in strength, using core muscles in the hydrotherapy pool.”

Last year people were so generous and with Leon’s setting this year’s total at a modest £2000, he must be able to exceed that amount.

Brighton Marathon will be the warm up before the London event

He said: “I am actually running the Brighton Marathon again on April 6 and will be using it as a training run for London on April 27.

“I’m currently training three times a week and I’m hoping for a sub 3 hours 50 but it’s all about enjoying the moment and raising money for this amazing cause. Matt and I have travelled together, we have lived together, and he will be my Best Man at my wedding in August.

“This is the least I can do for Matt and Sam and also for Chailey Heritage Foundation.”

Click here to donate Chailey Heritage Foundation: LDN MARATHON-CHAILEYHERITAGEFOUNDATION