Miles for Katy

I’m taking on a year of physical challenges — runs, rows, burpees, cold dips, a 500-mile pilgrimage, and the London Marathon — in memory of my wife Katy, to raise £10,481 for Sue Ryder Hospice, where she was so lovingly cared for.

Every event is themed around her police collar number: 1481.

Please support if you can 💙

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💙 Why I’m Doing This

For Katy, and for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Because she never complained, never gave up, and made every moment count. I cant ever explain how special Sue Ryder is. All the staff, volunteers, cleaners, caterers, nurses and doctors are amazing. It’s a family and they are incredible people who provide kindness, support, guidance and laughter during a period which is difficult beyond comprehension.

Sue Ryder relies on charitable donations, and as part of Katys legacy I promised her I would take on some events to both raise money, and promote the work they do.

#MilesForKaty #1481ForSueRyder #KatySmiles #NeverForget

Miles for Katy: Honouring Her Legacy, One Step at a Time

Full Story

On 9th August, what would have been Katy’s birthday, I’ll begin a journey of miles, mud, and memories — a nine month challenge campaign to raise £10,481 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, who supported Katy with care, love, and dignity through her cancer journey.

Katy was a proud police officer, artist, CrossFitter, dog mum, Forest of Dean girl, and the kindest, strongest person I’ve ever known. She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and throughout it all, she never once complained.

Even in treatment, she gave everything she had to life — especially to her adored nieces, Lily and Nora.

She did everything with them. From FaceTime calls that lasted for hours, filled with chatter, games and giggles, to baking cakes, playing in the garden, reading stories, and always being honest with them in a way they could understand — Katy was fully present. She gave them her love, her time, and her truth, all wrapped in warmth and fun. Even when she was exhausted, she still showed up with love, silliness, and strength. Their bond was deep, full of joy and openness, and it brought her immeasurable happiness.

She also made time for the rest of her family and friends, walking the dogs she loved, painting, and staying connected to everyone she cherished. That mindset — full of light despite the darkness — is what’s now fuelling this campaign.

These challenges are hard — but compared to what she went through, they’re easy. I’ll keep going. No complaints. No giving up. Just like her.

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🗓️ The Challenge Timeline

🎂 9th August – Birthday Run

A 14.81km run from Cheltenham Racecourse to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and back, on what would have been Katy’s birthday.

🚣 28th August – 14.81-Mile Row

A long row to honour her strength and stamina — another nod to her collar number, and another test of endurance.

🏃‍♂️ September – Half Marathons of Remembrance

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Cheltenham Half Marathon (21st September) — through the town we called home and where she was cared for.

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Forest of Dean Half Marathon (28th September) — on the anniversary of Katy’s passing, in the place she grew up and loved deeply

I’m a 110kg rugby player, not a runner — so these aren’t easy…it wont be fast but I will get them done!!

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🥾 29th September to Early November – Camino de Santiago (500 Miles)

Katy dreamed of walking the Camino. Now I will walk it for her.

The Camino Francés is a 500-mile (800km) pilgrimage route starting in the French Pyrenees and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s a physically and mentally punishing journey:

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Steep climbs over the Pyrenees

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Miles of open plains, rugged forests, and quiet farmlands

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Remote mountain villages and historic cities

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Ever-changing weather, isolation, exhaustion, and reflection

It will take over a month to complete — and every blister, every mile, every hill climbed will be for a journey of endurance, peace, and deep personal meaning.

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🐎 🐘16th November - Sue Ryder Mascot Race (Cheltenham Racecourse)

i will be charging down the finishing furlong at Cheltenham in an elephant costume for the mascot race - because just like elephants we never forget, and Katy purchased toy elephants for all the close people around her.

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❄️ 7th December – The Big Dip (Cheltenham Lido)

A freezing plunge into icy waters with Katy’s niece Lily — a wild, ridiculous thing that Katy would have absolutely laughed at, probably wrapped in a dry robe watching us freeze!

🏃‍♂️ 27th December – Seven Sins Run (Forest of Dean)

Seven hills. Seven miles. A muddy, grueling obstacle race in the heart of where Katy grew up. She loved a challenge — and she would’ve loved watching me suffer through this one.

💪 17th January 2026 – 1,481 Burpees in One Day

Katy loved CrossFit… but absolutely hated burpees. Which is why I’ll be doing 1,481 burpees in a single day. She’d be crying with laughter watching me crawl through this.

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The Final Push in 2026

🏃 22nd March 2026 - Gloucester Half Marathon + Run Back to Sue Ryder

I’ll run the Gloucester Half Marathon, and then continue on foot back to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice — linking two places that held deep significance in her final years.

🎯 26th April 2026 London Marathon – The Culminating Event

The final, most iconic challenge: the London Marathon 2026. The finish line, I hope, for both the physical journey and the £10,481 fundraising goal.

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🏉 Bonus Events: For Katy’s People

More events are in the works, including a charity rugby match, which will bring together friends, teammates, and family to remember Katy and raise even more.

Friends and loved ones are joining me for many of these challenges — dipping, running, walking, rowing, laughing, and remembering. This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who loved her.

Katy’s Legacy – Why Sue Ryder?

Sue Ryder gave Katy far more than just medical care — they helped her live with dignity and joy, even in the most difficult moments.

While receiving their support, Katy:

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Discovered painting through art therapy

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Built a small art business, with her artwork now displayed in homes around the country

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Received respite care, complementary therapies, and time to breathe

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Met doctors who found unique ways to manage her pain

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Was surrounded by staff who made her smile, laugh, and feel completely human

In the final weeks of her life, Katy, her sister Lucy, and I were able to live together at Sue Ryder— side by side, in comfort and peace. Friends and family were always present, filling her room with love, conversation, music, and laughter. There was sadness, of course, but also joy, togetherness, and grace — because she was surrounded by those who loved her most, right to the very end.

She was still herself — strong, creative, funny, and full of love — and Sue Ryder gave her the space and care to stay that way. This campaign is about making sure others get that same chance and support.

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Why 1481?

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

Every event is themed around it:

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14.81km runs

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14.81-mile rows

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1,481 burpees

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And a total fundraising goal of £10,481

Thankfully it wasn’t a higher number!!!

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💙 Why These Challenges?

Every single challenge is something Katy loved, dreamed of doing, or would’ve found absolutely hilarious watching me attempt.

💙 The Goal: £10,481 for Sue Ryder

Every mile. Every burpee. Every freezing splash.

All in honour of Katy.

All to raise £10,481, so more people can be cared for the way she was — with love, laughter, dignity, and grace.

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🤍 How You Can Help

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Donate whatever you can

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Share this story

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Join in with a challenge or host one of your own

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Help me keep her memory moving forward

This is for Katy.

Thank you.

#katysmiles #neverforget