Sense Awards 2025: Fundraiser of the Year
Claire Reece and Steve Childerley
Claire was inspired to start fundraising by her son Hugo, who was born with CHARGE syndrome and was deafblind. Supported by Sense, Hugo achieved many amazing things, including visiting 10 Downing Street to campaign for disabled people’s rights and skiing with his four younger siblings on Sense family days.
Following Hugo’s sudden death, aged 15, in November 2024, Claire and her partner Steve ran the 2025 London Marathon in his memory. Claire carried Hugo’s photograph throughout the race and made every fundraising effort a tribute to him, including holding a karaoke night he’d have loved.
The couple raised £8,200 for Sense and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, adding to the £6,000 Claire had previously raised for Sense in four earlier London Marathons. Claire sees winning a Sense Award as a way to keep people talking about Hugo.
Descriptive transcript of Claire and Steve's video
Claire, who has long blonde hair and is wearing a jumper with a rainbow pattern, is sitting next to her partner Steve. Steve is a bald man with a short beard and wearing a t-shirt.
A montage of family pictures, showing Claire and Steve and Hugo.
Claire: There’s not enough words, probably, to describe how full of life Hugo was.
Claire speaking to the camera about her and Steve’s fond memories of Hugo.
Another montage of family pictures, showing Claire and Steve with Hugo.
Claire: There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t talk about him, laugh about him, wish he was here causing us havoc.
A picture of Claire and Steve running over the finishing line at the London Marathon. Claire proudly shows her medal to the camera.
Claire: Five years ago now, I decided to fundraise for Sense.
Claire and Steve sit on their sofa and a voice off camera tells them they have won an award.
Voice off camera: You thought we were here just to talk about you being nominated, but you’ve actually won!
Claire and Steve hug in celebration.
Claire puts her Sense Award next to a framed photo of Hugo.
Claire: All I can say is that this is for Hugo.
This Award is 100% for Hugo. He was a huge part of our family, and we all miss him very much, his loss is profound. If I can run a marathon once a year and fundraise for Sense who did so much for him, then each year I have a reason to talk to people about Hugo.
To be able to do that and help other families in the process and then win an Award for it is just amazing.
Claire Reece
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