A dedicated group of family and friends is preparing to trek 100 kilometers from Richmond to Brighton in a powerful show of strength and remembrance. This grueling ultra-challenge aims to raise vital funds for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, honoring the memory of baby Raif Lewsey, who tragically passed away at just 13 months old. The journey begins on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as the team sets out to turn their personal grief into a lifeline for other families. Every step of the long journey to the coast will support the essential care provided by the hospice, ensuring Raif's spirit continues to make a difference.
Precious Memories
Raif was born on October 30, 2022, with the rare genetic condition COL4A1. His life, though short, was defined by extraordinary resilience. He faced ongoing medical challenges, including terrifying seizures, breathing and feeding difficulties, and seven hospital admissions, including three intensive care stays and two being on life support. The challenge, which is set to take 13 hours for the runners and 24 or more hours for the walkers, has already seen an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond. Backing from The Brighton Coach, where a video of Raif’s dad Patrick telling his story now has one million views, helped the team reach their initial fundraising target, alongside support from Fatboy Slim and Sally Gunnell, helping to amplify awareness of the challenge and the cause.
Hospice Support
Chestnut Tree House became part of Raif’s life when he was eight months old, at a time when his family were navigating sleepless nights, complex care routines, and difficult medical realities. “Raif’s short life was marked by bravery and resilience,” says Patrick. Lynsey says: “It is too difficult to describe the day-to-day reality of knowing your child’s life is ending. But I can say that with the support of the team at Chestnut, we were able to be emotionally present to enjoy all those last days, hours and minutes with our son without falling apart. We called Raif ‘Mr Cuddles’ because he always wanted to be held, and the Chestnut team made sure we were able to cuddle him right up until the end.” Despite the never-ending difficulties, his family cherished every moment with him and say his strength continues to shape everything they do. The hospice provided a space for the whole family to be together, offering respite, specialist care, and emotional support. It also played a vital role in Raif’s end-of-life care, helping the family create meaningful moments in his final weeks.
The Challenge
Taking on the 100-kilometer London to Brighton route, the group will be split between runners and walkers, all united by the same goal. Raif’s dad, Patrick Lewsey, will run the full 100 kilometers alongside his childhood friends Rich Ellis, Greg Shaw, Dan Rowland, Alex Oprey, and Joe Warren, while Lynsey Lewsey, Raif’s mum, will walk the distance with her father, Mick Burkinshaw. The challenge will test endurance, mindset, and resilience, reflecting the strength Raif showed throughout his life. It costs £16,240 per night to run Chestnut Tree House, so the team are aiming to raise as much money as possible to support more families. Every donation will go towards providing respite care, end-of-life support, and bereavement services for families facing the unimaginable.
