Miles for Katy

On Katy’s birthday, 9th August last year, I laced up my trainers and began what I thought would be a series of fundraising challenges in her memory.

What followed became a year-long journey of miles, mud, blisters, laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments — all inspired by Katy, and all in support of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Over the last twelve months I have completed every challenge I set out to do and, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people, we have raised more than £16,500, rising to over £20,000 including Gift Aid, for Sue Ryder.

To everyone who has donated, shared the story, joined a challenge, sent encouragement, or simply followed the journey — thank you. Every contribution has helped honour Katy’s memory while supporting the incredible work Sue Ryder continues to do for families facing the most difficult times imaginable.

💙

Why This Journey Started

This was always about Katy.

A proud police officer, artist, CrossFitter, dog mum, Forest of Dean girl, and the strongest person I’ve ever known.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and throughout everything she endured, she never complained. She never gave up. She continued to live fully, love deeply, and make every moment count.

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice became part of our family during her cancer journey. The nurses, doctors, volunteers, cleaners, caterers, therapists and support staff cared for Katy with extraordinary kindness, dignity and compassion.

I can never fully explain how special they are.

They gave us laughter when we needed it most, guidance when we felt lost, and precious time together when every moment mattered.

As part of Katy’s legacy, I promised I would do whatever I could to support them and raise awareness of the incredible work they do.

What We’ve Achieved

Over the last twelve months, the Miles for Katy challenge has included:

* Katy’s Birthday Run

* A 14.81-mile rowing challenge

* The Cheltenham Half Marathon

* The Forest of Dean Half Marathon

* The 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage

* The Sue Ryder Mascot Race

* The Big Dip at Cheltenham Lido

* The Seven Sins Run

* 1,481 burpees in a single day

* The Gloucester Half Marathon and run back to Sue Ryder

* The London Marathon

Along the way there have been some unforgettable moments. I found myself walking across Spain carrying Katy’s memory over 500 miles of the Camino, racing down the famous Cheltenham Racecourse finishing straight dressed as an elephant, plunging into freezing water in December, and even being persuaded to perform burpees live on BBC Points West while talking about the challenge.

It’s probably fair to say that standing in front of a television camera doing burpees wasn’t part of the original plan, but it summed up the spirit of Miles for Katy perfectly — doing whatever it takes to raise awareness, raise funds, and keep Katy’s memory alive. Katy absolutely hated burpees and would have found the whole thing hilarious.

What started as a fundraising campaign became something much bigger. It brought together family, friends, complete strangers, local businesses, sports clubs, and an entire community who wanted to celebrate Katy’s life while supporting the incredible work of Sue Ryder.

Every challenge carried the number 1481 — Katy’s police collar number — and every challenge carried her memory.

Some days were harder than others. There were sore legs, blisters, exhaustion, and moments when the finish line felt a very long way away.

But compared to what Katy faced, they were small obstacles.

Whenever things became difficult, I thought about her strength, her resilience, and her ability to smile through circumstances that would have broken most people.

One Year Later

The challenge may have reached its original finish line, but Katy’s legacy continues.

To mark one year since Miles for Katy began, I’m lacing up my trainers once again.

🏃 Cheltenham Half Marathon

A return to the town we called home and where Katy received so much care, support and kindness.

🇺🇸 🏃 Chicago Marathon

One of the world’s most iconic marathons and the final chapter of this incredible journey.

These events aren’t about setting records or chasing times.

They’re about remembering Katy, celebrating everything we’ve achieved together, and continuing to support the hospice that meant so much to us.

Together we’ve already doubled the original fundraising target, but every additional pound raised helps Sue Ryder continue providing the extraordinary care and support that families like ours depend upon.

Katy’s Legacy

Sue Ryder gave Katy far more than medical care.

They helped her continue living.

Through their support she discovered painting through art therapy, built an art business, found new ways to manage her pain, and remained surrounded by people who treated her with warmth, humour, dignity and respect.

In the final weeks of her life, Katy, her sister Lucy and I were able to live together at Sue Ryder. Family and friends filled the room with love, stories, music and laughter.

There was sadness, of course.

But there was also joy.

That is Katy’s legacy.

And that is why this campaign matters.

She was still herself until the very end — strong, creative, funny, determined and full of love. Sue Ryder gave her the space, care and dignity to remain that person, and this campaign is about helping others receive that same support.

Why 1481?

Katy’s police collar number — 1481 — became the heartbeat of this campaign.

It inspired:

* 14.81km runs

* 14.81-mile rows

* 1,481 burpees

* An original fundraising target of £10,481

Thankfully it wasn’t a bigger number.

Thank You

More than £16,500 raised.

More than £20,000 generated for Sue Ryder including Gift Aid.

A year of challenges completed.

Hundreds of miles covered.

Countless memories shared.

None of this would have been possible without the support of so many incredible people.

Thank you to everyone who donated.

Thank you to everyone who shared the story.

Thank you to everyone who joined a challenge, cheered from the sidelines, sent a message, or helped keep me going when things became difficult.

Most of all, thank you for helping me honour Katy.

Her smile, her kindness, her courage and her love continue to inspire every step.

This journey started because of Katy.

Everything it has achieved is because of the people who loved her.

And as I head towards the Cheltenham Half Marathon and the Chicago Marathon, I’ll be carrying the same motivation that started all of this on 9th August last year:

To make Katy proud.

#MilesForKaty #1481ForSueRyder #KatySmiles #Neverforget