Sussex celebrate two-year partnership with Rockinghorse

Representatives from Sussex County Cricket Club were on hand to present the cheque at The Royal Alexandra Childrens Hospital in Brighton recently. From L-R: Steve Magoffin (SCCC), Will Hurl (Sussex Cricket in the Community), Ryan Heal (Chief Executive, Rockinghorse), Tony Cottey (Business Relationship Manager, SCCC), Mark Judges (Sales Manager, SCCC), Analiese Doctrove (Head of Fundraising, Rockinghorse)

Rockinghorse is a Brighton-based charity which has been supporting children for over 45 years and is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, which is situated in the heart of the city.

Through the six recent ‘Where Cricket Meets…’ events held at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground, Sussex have helped raise the figure of £20,785 and the monies will go towards a MRI Scanner Compatible TV and DVD Unit.

The hospital are installing a third MRI scanning unit which only work to their full potential if the patient lays still. The TV and DVD unit will be installed into the scanning unit so that it can be used as a distraction for the younger or more vulnerable patients who need these investigations as part of their treatment.

The aim is that this would then decrease the amount children would have to have more than one appointment due to a bad screening or who have to rebook as the child is too frightened to go into the machine.

Sussex’s Business Relationship Manager Tony Cottey said, “During our partnership with Rockinghorse, we’ve been putting on events such as our ‘Where Cricket Meets…’ lunches.

“Our partnership has been fantastic and has raised £20,000 through our six events which have seen sporting stars such as former Welsh rugby international Scott Quinnell and former England football star Matthew Le Tissier attend as special guests.

“The money has been raised via charity auctions and the popular pre-dinner ‘heads and tails’ game over the past two years. The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital is a fantastic hospital here in Brighton and such a great cause.”

Sussex bowler Steve Magoffin, who was on hand to visit the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital recently for a special cheque presentation, said “As a player, I am delighted to be able to support the club and get involved in the events raising money for the Rockinghorse charity.

“The work they do here at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital is hugely important for families in the area with sick children.”

Head of Fundraising at Rockinghorse, Analiese Doctrove said, “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Sussex County Cricket Club.

“Everyone who attended the events and made a donation has really helped to make a huge difference to the children of Sussex, and in particular the work of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.”