Running for wildlife - meet Charlie Kalmus-Hoye

Charlie Kalmus-Hoye is heroically running the 2026 Brighton Marathon as a fundraiser for Sussex Wildlife Trust in April.  JustGiving link here. We asked how it's all going.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve lived in Sussex all my life and currently live in Brighton with my wife and two rabbits. I’m studying Creative Writing at the University of Chichester. When I’m not writing, I like spending time in nature, visiting castles with my wife, watching sports, and playing board games with friends.

Thank you for running the Brighton Marathon in support of the Trust – why did you decide to do that? 

I’ve lived next to The Deneway Nature Reserve for nearly six years. Since then, I’ve wanted to raise money for Sussex Wildlife Trust as a way of giving back, and running a marathon has always been on my bucket list, so I thought it would be a good opportunity.

What does The Deneway mean to you? 

The nature reserve has bought me immense joy since I moved to Westdene. I’m able to see all of it from a good vantage point in my flat. All sorts of wildlife thrives there: Magpies, Blackbirds, and of course, Herring Gulls! I sometimes see some less common birds as well, such as Jays. I also particularly enjoy seeing how the wildlife interacts with the world outside the reserve; myself and the rest of the residents in my block know to give the communal bins a light kick before we use them, to warn any potential Squirrels inside that were about to use it!

The nature reserve not only helps nature thrive but it is also incredibly valuable to our local community. I often see volunteers working hard to preserve its trees and plants, and school children are sometimes taken on trips to see it. I often leave the windows open in the flat — even in winter — so that I don’t miss out on the sounds of nature and community that come from the reserve. I feel that it is a vital focal point for the local community.

How’s training going? 

It’s going well so far. I’ve had knee troubles for a few years now, and running is one of the only ways I can exercise without aggravating it. Running at longer distances has been challenging but very rewarding; recently I’ve enjoyed running beneath the cliffs between Brighton Marina and Saltdean (I’ve even seen Fulmars nesting in the cliffs!). So far I’m on track to finish the marathon within my desired run time.

How can people support you? 

Any donation (big or small) made to my JustGiving page would be gratefully received. The money would go towards an amazing cause that helps protected areas in Sussex like the nature reserve in Westdene.