Ashley Horsey's brother has lived with HIV for 25 years. This family connection made it an easy decision for him to run the 2020 Brighton Half Marathon for The Sussex Beacon.
Ashley's brother was diagnosed with HIV in the 1990's and Ashley has been part of the wider support network for his brother, including many amazing friends.
Last year he saw how much effort the Sussex Beacon team made running the Brighton Half Marathon and chose to help. He picked the Beacon as his personal charity to fundraise for - smashing his original target of £250 (so far he's raised nearly £400) with 21 supporters chipping in.
We asked Ashley why he chose to support the Sussex Beacon and those living with HIV and he shared his answers (and some great photos) with us.
I was looking for a charity to run for and it seemed Sussex Beacon put so much effort in to organising this event. It's such a good experience for everyone. It seemed the right way for me to try and give something back.
I discovered their work when looking at the race website. The charity came highly recommended to me by a friend who knows how great an organisation you are.
Beyond that, one of my brothers has been living with HIV for over 25 years.
It was a very small way I could do something. It helps support the fantastic work of the Sussex Beacon. Reminding people that addressing the needs of those affected by HIV continues is important.
The hardest part of my training for the Brighton Half Marathon? Overcoming an Achilles injury. I thought it might have prevented me running after so many people had already supported me. The most important thing was recovering from that. Being able to fulfil the promise I made to them, to myself and to the Sussex Beacon was vital.
I was motivated by the faith and support people had given me. Raising funds for such an important cause, I couldn't let them down.
Having the Sussex Beacon marquee at the start and as a haven at the end was fantastic. The wind in particular was something else. Battling all the way to Hove. Dodging the waves crashing on to the Prom! Then being blown all the way back to the finish line! It was certainly a unique experience.
I'll do it again next year. Can you turn the wind machine down a bit next time though?
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