Show Your Support for Poorly Babies, Children and Young People By Voting for Rockinghorse this April 2019

Rockinghorse is a charity that supports children in Brighton and have been supporting them for over 50 years. The charity, which was set by Dr Trevor Mann in 1967, is dedicated to helping poorly children.

As leader in paediatric care, Dr Trevor Mann recognised that there was a need for additional resources to improve healthcare services for sick babies, children and young people in Brighton.

Originally launched as the ‘Rockinghorse Appeal’, the charity was founded to raise funds for the first incubator outside of London – to be placed at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton, Sussex.

Since then, Rockinghorse has been the official fundraising arm of the Alex, with the aim to improve the lives of sick and disadvantaged children throughout the county.                                                                    

The charity also provides vital support to the neighbouring Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton – named after Rockinghorse’s founder, Dr Trevor Mann – and it also provides care to a sister site, the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), which is based within the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.    

In addition to these services, Rockinghorse funds projects at children’s hospital wards, paediatric units, respite centres and youth services across Sussex.                                                                        

Rockinghorse believes have an ethos that they work by and that is that no matter where children are, they should always be allowed to be children. Through its fundraising, the charity strives to make services stimulating, cutting-edge and accessible for the many babies, children and adolescents who need them.

By working in close partnership with local respite centres, hospitals and specialist services, Rockinghorse helps to fund projects that are fundamental to improving children’s well-being, whether emotional or physical. They also strive to give support to both parents of poorly children and to carers as well.

Rockinghorse is an independent charity that serves both Brighton and the county of Sussex. It does not receive any local or central government funding and relies on the generous support of businesses, schools, community groups, trusts and individuals.

In 2017, Rockinghorse celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark its Golden Jubilee, the charity announced Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra, as Royal Patron. A unique double for Her Royal Highness (the Queen’s cousin), Princess Alexandra has been Patron of the children’s hospital since 1954.

With support from the Sussex community, Rockinghorse is making a difference to children, babies and young people. The charity is made up of a small team of nine staff who are there to help and guide supporters every step of the way; whether it’s direct fundraising or volunteering.

There are lots of ways to support Rockinghorse by fundraising – no matter how big or small the initiative is. The charity hosts many of its own events, such as sporting lunches, quiz nights and a charity Ball.
Many supporters also chose to hold their own events to raise funds, or take part in challenge-based events, such as a marathon, trek or cycle ride. Every donation to the charity is very gratefully received. To find out more, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.