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I’m running an in-memory marathon following the loss of three very significant people in my life in the last year.

For those of you who know me, running has got me through so many different challenges in my life, and certainly in the last year, running has offered me a safe space where I can let my head do its thing, whilst my legs power through (somewhat remarkably I have found).

On the 23 March 2025 I ran the Sheffield Half Marathon, 1-month after the loss of my wonderful mum. Smashing all previous half marathon times, and in recognising the strength running has given me, certainly throughout my journey of loss over the last year, I thought, I want to do something big, no more saying “next year”, sometimes “next year” never comes.

So, after running the Sheffield Half Marathon, a few days later I messaged my friend, a physio and experienced runner, and asked if she thought it was doable to train for a marathon in 6-weeks, her response “Doable yes, sensible – maybe not”, my response “Sensible, moi?” It might seem slightly crazy to some, but probably to the three people I have lost this last year, I don’t think they would have been shocked in the slightest, indeed in many ways I think they knew me, in different ways, probably better than I know myself.

So here it is, I am running the Leeds Marathon on Sunday 11 May, and obviously on the basis of it being a special offer (!), I am down to run the York Marathon on Sunday 19 October too! Whilst those I have lost in the last year were not cared for by St Luke’s, they were all very avid charity supporters, and very much supported me in my work at St Luke’s. So, in their memory I am raising much needed funds, at a time of the well reported hospice-funding crisis, for St Luke’s Hospice, Sheffield.

My In-Memory Marathon, is in memory of,

Kirsty, my amazing best friend of over 35 years, who passed away in March 2024. The years of our friendship and all that we did and shared together, will remain in my heart forever, I talk of you often and will always.

Alex, a beautifully intelligent, gentle and big-hearted soul, who passed away in October 2024. I feel privileged to have had you in my life, for the learnings you gave me that you will never now know and the impact you imparted, I’ll fondly remember the times we shared always.

Mum, my wonderful Mum, who passed away in February 2025. It is hard to find the words, but thank you for everything, I will love and miss you always.

Any donation is greatly appreciated, in donating, please know that you will be…

• contributing towards helping St Luke’s continue the key services they provide the people of Sheffield;

• helping me get around my biggest running challenge to date, inevitably testing every bit of my physical, mental and emotional being, of which the last year has been a test in itself;

• supporting my in-memory marathon, supporting me through my loss, supporting three incredible people, and all those that their lives touched.

Read more about the work of St Luke’s online Our Services | St Luke's Hospice Sheffield, with some key info below:

• Every year we help around 1,800 people in Sheffield from the point of terminal diagnosis, whilst also supporting their friends and families. Our care is given 7 days a week, 365 days a year, regardless of cultural background, religion or postcode.

• We are a charity – The cost of delivering our care is increasing all the time and with just 25% of our running costs being covered by NHS funding, we rely on donations to deliver our services. This year we need to raise £10.5million from supporters who donate their money, time and pre-loved goods, all to help us raise the money needed for the vital care we give, without charge, to Sheffield people.

• Supporting people in their own homes - Right now, our St Luke’s Community team, funded by our charity, is caring for around 350 people across Sheffield, providing comfort and support in their own homes or care facilities.

• We care for people, not just a condition – We listen to patients to understand what is important to them and work with them to help them achieve their goals and wishes. This could be someone wanting to marry a loved one, or wanting to build their strength enough to climb the stairs. We provide tailored, holistic care so that patients and those closest to them receive the support that is right for them.

• Better end of life care for all – We’re an independent healthcare charity but we work in collaboration with other organisations, both within Sheffield and beyond, to share our support and knowledge with others, for better end of life care for all.

Thank you for reading my story and for any support you can offer,

Katie

xxx

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