I’m Kate, and this is a brief outline of why I’ll be running The Ipswich Half Marathon on 27th September 2026 hoping to raise funds for both Samaritans & Lighthouse Women’s Aid, who I am personally so grateful to🙏🏻

Back in 2022 I experienced a tipping point of domestic abuse and attempted to end my life, being momentarily overwhelmed with emotional pain.

Lighthouse were able to guide me through the dark and help me to understand what was happening to me. Psychological/emotional abuse can be very confusing. A person often believes their abuser is their saviour/soul mate and they are to blame for their own abuse. They often don’t seek to leave, but continually try to be better and fix themselves…losing themselves in the process.

Unfortunately, as is common with many survivors, there was a relapse as I was convinced to return to the relationship.

The abuse cycle continued for another year+ and in that time I called Samaritans many times. I don’t know what I would have done without them. Always a calm, non judgmental voice in a storm.

With the help of long term therapy with Craig Fookes - Therapist, Coach & Hypnotherapist - Colchester to relearn how to regulate emotions and set effective boundaries, I am well and ready to give something back to those who helped me…if my legs will carry me!

Here’s hoping!!Ha ha!

Thanks so much. You will be saving someone else from the dark, so they can find the light again. Xx