Simon Burgess  for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

Marathon pictures

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'Hates running' but enters Brighton Marathon!

Simon Burgess, former City Council Leader, is entering the first Brighton Marathon being held on the 18th April 2010.

Simon says; "Because I cycle about the city, and I have entered cycle challenges for charities such as the Argus Appeal, people assume I am a fitness fanatic - sadly I'm not. I do like cycling but I hate running. I found it really tough doing six miles for Sport Relief last year which is the furthest I have run, so goodness knows how I am going to do a marathon!

"However I'm sure this will be an event with a great atmosphere and the effort will be well worth it to raise money for three great local charities; Argus Appeal, Martlets Hospice and the Sussex Beacon. I don't know how I am going to find the time to train but my children are particularly keen to supervise me!"

"I can be sponsored on-line via just giving which increase the value of sponsorship via gift aid."

The Argus Appeal
http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Burgess0/

Sussex Beacon
http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Burgess2/

Martlets Hospice
http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Burgess/

Simon raises money for charity

Over recent years Simon has challenged himself a number of times for causes he cares passionately about.

He has taken part in the Stonewall 6 mile Equality Walk around the city four times, always a great atmosphere and not too taxing either.

Though he has a fear of heights he abseiled off Peacehaven Cliffs for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust - Simon is a regular blood donor and on the Bone Marrow register as a potential donor. "I can't quite believe I did that - it looks so high when you are up there. I gripped that rope for dear life!" said Simon.

He ran six miles, rather slowly, for Sport Relief on the Kemp Town seafront last year - "I'd rather cycle ten times as far!".

He rode a tough 100 miles cross-country along the South Downs Way for the Argus Appeal and to publicise the Campaign for a South Downs National Park.

A few months later he rode 200 miles from London to Paris to raise funds and awareness for Leonard Cheshire Disability. Simon first volunteered for Leonard Cheshire when he was 15, his experiences with them over many years helped shape his views on disability and residential care.

Most recently he undertook a solo challenge of riding from the High Court in London to the Meridian Centre, Peacehaven. He did this to highlight and raise funds for the battle against Southern Waters and the Conservative County Councils decision to give the green light to a sewage works in Peacehaven. "The 70 mile solo ride was hard but alongside local residents I have fought these greenfield proposals from the start" said Simon as he finished the ride.