I’m excited (and slightly scared!) to be running the London Marathon 2026 to raise money for Douglas Macmillan Hospice (Dougie Mac) in memory of my wonderful Mum, Jane Preece.

Mum passed away at the Dougie Mac from breast cancer in July 2015, aged just 56. I’m forever grateful to the amazing, skilled and compassionate palliative care team at Dougie Mac, who looked after not just Mum, but also the whole family. Thanks to them, Mum passed away pain-free and with dignity, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Now, 10 years later, I want to give something back – and marathon training is underway!

Our family isn’t alone. Most people in Stoke and North Staffordshire know someone who has been looked after by Dougie Mac, but their vital work is funded mainly by charitable donations.

Running a marathon is a huge challenge for me, but it’s an honour to do it for such a good cause. If you're able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean the world. Every contribution is deeply appreciated.

Thank you so much,

Katie

xxx