A unique Pier to Pier fundraising challenge took place along the Sussex coast last weekend to shine a light on the lived realities of unpaid carers – led by someone who knows those challenges first-hand.

The event, organised by the Association of Carers, saw participants take on the route between Eastbourne and Hastings piers to raise funds and awareness for unpaid carers across East Sussex.

The challenge was spearheaded by Maggie Hawke, the charity’s services coordinator, who has spent more than 25 years caring for her wife Lizzie following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. What began as a sudden diagnosis in 1998 has evolved into full-time caring, with increasing physical, emotional and practical demands.

“Caring is something you never switch off from,” she explains. “It affects every part of daily life – work, relationships, your sense of self. I wanted to create a challenge that reflected that reality, but also showed what is possible with the right support.”

In a powerful and symbolic moment, the challenge concluded with Lizzie joining the final section of the walk in her wheelchair, supported by staff from The Laurels Care Home in Hastings, where she now lives.

“This challenge is about visibility,” Lizzie said. “Carers often feel invisible and isolated. This is about saying: carers matter, and they deserve recognition, respect and support.”

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Funds raised through the Pier to Pier Challenge will help the Association of Carers continue providing free, high-quality support to unpaid carers across the county.

To find out more about the work of the Association of Carers visit associationofcarers.org.uk To donate visit justgiving.com and search Maggie Hawke is fundraising for Association of Carers 


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/COMMUNITY-CAPTION-Maggie-Hawke-walking-for-charity-CREDIT-Kaye-Crittell-.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/COMMUNITY-CAPTION-Maggie-Hawke-walking-for-charity-CREDIT-Kaye-Crittell--150x150.jpgHIPCommunityAssociation of Carers,hastings,Maggie HawkeA unique Pier to Pier fundraising challenge took place along the Sussex coast last weekend to shine a light on the lived realities of unpaid carers – led by someone who knows those challenges first-hand. The event, organised by the Association of Carers, saw participants take on the route between...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper