A new fundraising campaign intends to raise awareness of the constant difficulties faced by those who provide unpaid care for family members or friends.

The Association of Carers has organised the Pier to Pier Challenge, which will see participants walking the route between Eastbourne Pier and Hastings Pier to generate both financial support and public understanding for carers throughout East Sussex on April 19.

Those wishing to take part can sign up via the Eventbrite booking page at eventbrite.co.uk/e/pier-to-pier-challenge-tickets-1759436484889

According to the charity’s Services Coordinator, caring responsibilities never cease and influence every dimension of daily life, from work and relationships to personal sense of self. She explained that her aim was to create an event that reflected this reality while also showing what can be accomplished when proper assistance is available.

The event originated from the charity’s Services Coordinator’s own experience, having provided care for her husband for more than 25 years following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 1998.

As a significant symbolic moment, the challenge will conclude with her husband traversing the final portion in his wheelchair, accompanied by staff from the care home where he resides.

The campaign aims to draw attention to the roughly 4.7 million individuals providing unpaid care across England, including many in East Sussex, who often report feeling invisible and isolated.

Funds raised will allow the Association of Carers to maintain its free services delivered by volunteers, which are designed to address isolation, improve wellbeing, and support carers in sustaining their vital caregiving roles.