Four members of the HVA team are running the 2025 Hastings Half Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the Links Project! The Links Project is hosted by HVA and provides support and advice for asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities living in East Sussex.
HVA Director, Steve Manwaring, alongside Links Project Co-ordinator, Marc Turczanski, HVA Volunteer Lead, Jane Caley and HVA Communications Officer, Matt Pitts, will be dusting off their running shoes and taking on 21.1 (very hilly!) kilometres that make up the Hastings Half Marathon . All funds raised will go directly to the Links Project to continue their vital work.
"The Links Project started in Hastings in 2001 and formally became part of HVA in 2008. Initially, the project was set up by a group of local people to be a friendship and support group for asylum seekers newly dispersed into the Adelphi Hotel in St Leonards. Over the years the demands on the project have increased in terms of the number of people needing to come to us for help and support. We have met over 136 different nationality groups, tried to learn how to say hello in over 300 different languages and our drop-in regularly sees over 60 people coming each week for help or just to socialise. We continue to work hard to keep true to the spirit that started the project over twenty years ago. We aim to be an open, friendly and safe space to show that no matter what your journey was to come to Hastings, you are welcome here."
Marc Turczanski, Links Project Co-ordinator.
The half-marathon is scheduled for Sunday 5th October 2025. We welcome any support and all donations, large or small, will make a difference! Find our fundraising page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-the-hastings-half-marathon-for-the-links-project
