Heathfield Dad To Run Brighton Marathon In Memory Of His Daughter

A proud dad is running this year's Brighton Marathon in memory of his young daughter who tragically died in her sleep last October aged just three.

Luna-Rose Vince was born in 2019 with a rare genetic condition. She had Global Development Delay, which meant she was immobile, non-verbal and had frequent epilepsy seizures. 

She needed 24/7 care but mum Sam Poulton says she was 'the most beautiful little angel.'

Now Matt Vince, 31, a construction worker, has decided to run a Marathon for the first time.

He wants to raise £15,000 for Aquamovers - a group providing expert therapy and socialising for severely disabled children between the age of 1 and 5 years old, at Chailey Heritage Foundation in Mid Sussex.

The group provided valuable support for the family from Heathfield, and Sam said it was a life-changer for her. 

A staggering £5,000 was donated to Matt's JustGiving fundraising page in just 12 hours, and the current amount is £10,295.

Matt said:

"The most I had ever done when I committed to running the Brighton Marathon back in December was just four miles.

"I am taking part with two old school friends of mine, Hugo Porpora and Leon Collen. I hate running but I will crawl if I have to just to get over the finishing line.

"My brother Joel said he would also run the Marathon if our fundraising target hit £10,000, which we have, so he will be running with us as well.

"I am determined to turn a big, big negative into a positive. Luna-Rose wouldn't want us to be just moping around."

Mum Sam, 33, a dental nurse, said Luna-Rose had been given 'a real bad hand' in life but she was happy.

Sam said:

"She loved life and she smiled all the time. We never thought her condition was life-threatening at such an early stage in her life, so when she died, we were obviously in total shock. 

"She was absolutely fine the night before but on October 6, 2022, her heart stoppedbeating in her sleep.

"I had given up work to care for her and I struggled. I felt very lonely and didn't know anyone in a similar circumstance.

"Then I heard about Aquamovers, and it made a complete difference to our family. 

"Going there helped me accept what had happened, that we had a child who was severely disabled. 

"I think I had been in denial before that. Aquamovers meant I could talk to other parents in similar situations.

"The hydrotherapy pool there is amazing. After the class session, we would head over to the pool for a 30-minute hydrotherapy session.

"The specialist equipment, movement and advice lets the children move around independently in the water and creates strength which helps massively with their physio. They all seem to thoroughly enjoy it."

Luna-Rose has been going to the two-and-a-half-hour play, learn and sensory sessions at Chailey Heritage Foundation for one year, and had been making great progress.

Matt and Sam were hoping that she would become a pupil at Chailey Heritage School, having attended a mainstream nursery, but then tragedy struck.

Matt is now looking forward to the Marathon on Sunday April 2, and is urging people to donate to Aquamovers.

He said:

"The support we have received so far through the JustGiving page has been amazing.

"Please donate if you can. We know how much Aquamovers means to children and the families who attend the group.

"Luna-Rose was our ray of sunshine. We believe that she came into this world to make people appreciate life.

"She was happy and considerate, and she loved people. She was cuddly and content."

Matt enjoys Crossfit workouts at FFH Gym in Station Road, Hailsham.

After the Marathon, he wants to take on The Three Peaks Challenge, again for charity and in memory of Luna-Rose. 

Will Folkes, Head of Fundraising at Chailey Heritage Foundation, is full of praise for Matt and Sam.

He said:

"As a charity, we are thrilled that Aquamovers played such an important part in the lives of Luna-Rose, Matt and Sam.

"Luna-Rose was a valued member of the group, and we know that she enjoyed coming to us.

"We were, of course, devastated to hear that she had died and we are very grateful to the family now for their fundraising efforts.

"Aquamovers does make a real difference to families, and Matt's run will ensure that remains the case."

To sponsor Matt, go to Matthew Vince is fundraising for Chailey Heritage Foundation (justgiving.com)

Find out more about Aquamovers here: https://www.chf.org.uk/aquamovers.html

*Chailey Heritage Foundation is a charity providing education, care and transition services to children and young adults with complex physical disabilities. Their mission is to give disabled children and young adults every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential.