Katie runs the South West Coast Path!
Wednesday 31st January 2024
UK
Katie Aylward
568
Katie runs the South West Coast Path!
Hello and thanks for visiting my donation page!
I have made the (possibly very foolish) decision to attempt to run the entirety of the South West Coast Path, some 630 miles of very hilly and in parts difficult terrain, in, or under 6 weeks! I’ll be starting on the 30th April 2023 and hopefully finishing by or before 10th June 2023 and will be raising money for Cancer Research UK and the Weldmar Hospicecare trust. I will be running on average 18-20 miles a day (give or take a few), with all my belongings in a bag on my back. I'll also be camping each night and so will be completely self-sufficient and self-funded.
A bit of background as to my fundraising challenge; in February of last year, I sadly lost my Dad, Christopher John Aylward, at the age of 64 to lung cancer. His cancer was identified as quite uncommon as he was a non-smoker. My Dad fought a long and brave battle with his cancer and I want to test the limits of my physicality by taking on this challenge, as a way of acknowledging the physical changes and pain that my Dad went through and to honour his memory. The end of the South West Coast Path, Studland Bay near Poole, was my Mum and Dad’s favourite place to go together and I can’t think of a better place to finish my challenge.
I also want to show my gratitude by raising as much as possible for the two charities who were at the centre of my dad’s battle; Cancer Research UK and the Weldmar Hospicecare trust. Cancer Research UK gave my Dad access to new and pioneering cancer treatments and trials that, sadly, most people at that stage of cancer do not get opportunity for. I firmly believe that having the opportunity to participate in these trials added time, perhaps years, to my Dad’s life and gave us all hope in what was a very bleak time. The Weldmar hospicecare trust is the local hospice and their staff were incredibly kind and supportive, particularly towards the end of my Dad’s life.
Running has always been somewhat of a coping mechanism for me, particularly throughout my Dad’s illness and I have been thinking about doing this challenge for the best part of two years. As my Dad’s cancer started to really take hold and he became increasingly sick, I started to think about what I could do to show some kind of support. I knew there was nothing I could do to make things any better, except spend time with him regularly and offer to help my Mum where I could. I think the inability to change anything and the feeling of not being able to help, forced me to think of ways in which I could make some small impact. I did mention my idea to my Dad a few months before he died and, usually being fairly risk averse, I was surprised that he liked the idea and encouraged it wholeheartedly!
I would be so grateful for any donation you could give. Every £ donated will spur me on even more! Thank you! Lots of love, Katie xxx
£8,943.50
+£1,483.50 Gift Aid
raised of £5,000 target
by 193 supporters
Supporters 193
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C8 months, 3 weeks
Curt
Congrats dabs, great achievement your old man will be proud ☺️ Happy birthday! Love Curt
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10 months
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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10 months, 1 week
Becky and Josh
Fantastic achievement in your dad's memory. Congratulations on finishing!
£ 20.00
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K10 months, 1 week
Karen
You are incredible, Katie. We’ve been watching your adventures with awe and admiration. What an amazing achievement! xx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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A10 months, 1 week
Adele Pearce
Dabs, your insta has been part of my daily routine. Well done on such a massive achievement! Xx
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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K10 months, 1 week
Kim Deane
What an inspiration you are Dabs… it’s been amazing following your journey! You should be very proud of yourself… Go Girl! Love Frankie’s M&D x
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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L10 months, 1 week
Lauren OSullivan
Good Luck mate - you are absolutely smashing it 👏👏 congrats. What a challenge for such an amazing cause! X
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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L10 months, 1 week
Lizzie & Alicia
Queen Dable you are incredible!! You are absolutely smashing it and you have SMASHED the fundraising too. We are all so proud of you and can't wait to see you when you finish. Love you lots, Mrs & Mrs Adams xxx
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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D10 months, 1 week
Donna & David
Keep going Katie! What you are doing in the memory of your wonderful dad, is just amazing. All our love and best wishes
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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R10 months, 2 weeks
Rachel Ward-Newton
Really really inspiring Katie. All the best!! Rach (Brummie's sis) xx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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j10 months, 2 weeks
janet wilson
Will look forward to seeing your photos at the wedding, but also what a great charity.
£ 15.00
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C10 months, 2 weeks
Cameron McNeil
Keep on inspiring me Dabs! You are doing something absolutely incredible, don't stop stomping away! Love, Cammy
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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E10 months, 2 weeks
Ed Livett
This is mainly to cover Issy’s snacks! Well done Dabs, so so so so good x
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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P10 months, 2 weeks
Paulette
Lovely to meet you today. I hope I didn’t spoil your fish and chips! Those we love live on in our hearts. You are doing your Dad proud. Love to you and your Mom. Xxx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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S10 months, 2 weeks
Sophie & John
Babes, so excited to be joining you for part of the epic challenge you are smashing! So proud of you. Lots of love, Sophie & John xxx
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T10 months, 2 weeks
Terry Brennan
Well done Katie, what a fantastic thing to do in memory of your dad who we miss loads. He would be so proud. Terry Colette and John.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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M10 months, 2 weeks
Mike Aylward - Usdaw
Katie, keep going, you're doing amazing. From Mike and all at Usdaw.
£ 250.00
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A10 months, 3 weeks
Alice, Olivier and Lou
What a mindbogglingly amazing thing you’re doing! Good luck, eye on the prize and enjoy the view along the way! Xxx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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N10 months, 3 weeks
Natalie Williams
Your doing so well! £19 for £19 will donate again! x
£ 19.00 (+£4.75)
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H11 months, 1 week
Helen
Good luck! From the ladies in salmon pink bathrobes on the beach.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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J11 months, 1 week
James Gibbs
Lovely to meet you on Daymer Bay and best of luck. Two fantastic causes and ones that I am sure will give you lots of strength on your epic journey. James
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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11 months, 1 week
Anonymous
Good luck and keep your feet dry.
£ 5.00 (+£1.25)
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B11 months, 1 week
Betty & Paul
So proud of what you are doing babe and what you’ve already achieved. Watched all your updates. Just brilliant 😁. We’re in awe of what your doing and your Dad will be so proud. Love you millions. Xxx
£ 100.00
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M11 months, 2 weeks
Moira Knight
Best of luck Katie on your run, a very worthy and important cause.’ Love Moira (Jenna’s mum) Xxx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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R11 months, 2 weeks
Rico
Go Dabs! Epic challenge but know you will smash it! Proud of you xxx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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T11 months, 2 weeks
Tracey Riddoch
Good Luck , an amazing adventure, and such a worthy cause .
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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A11 months, 2 weeks
Alice
You’re a huge inspiration. So so proud of you always but especially for this. Love you loads xxx
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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L11 months, 2 weeks
Laura Davies
Best of luck! Will be watching your journey and try and enjoy it 😊
£ 5.00
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J11 months, 2 weeks
Jo Corkill
All the very best for your run. We will be thinking of you and your dear Dad would have been so proud. Xx
£ 30.00
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L11 months, 2 weeks
London friends fundraiser
We’ve always known you’re a nutter but we bloody love you for it! We are all so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate at the finish line! Love you to bits xxx
£ 1,495.00 (+£373.75)
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C11 months, 2 weeks
Cougs
You are simply the best. With you every single step of the way. As your dad will be too. Love you x x
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G11 months, 2 weeks
Guy Smith
Massive luck with this. Lets hope the sun shines so you can enjoy the views as you rinse the hills. Nothing but respect and support coming your way Katie!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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E11 months, 2 weeks
Ellie B
Good Luck Katie, such an incredible cause and amazing thing to do- go and smash it! xxx
£ 25.00
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S11 months, 3 weeks
Sue Ryan
Hi Katie, I work with your mum in Andover and have done so for some years now. It is an amazing task you are taking on and having lost my own mum to Cancer 13 years ago, (also at the young age of 64) I can relate to how you are feeling. I wish you every success with your challenge and look forward to hearing from your mum how it is going. Good Luck and Best of Wishes.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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11 months, 3 weeks
Nic & Lily
You're incredible. Such a big challenge, but no doubt at all that you will smash it. Love you girl xx
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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M11 months, 3 weeks
Mark Jones
Good luck Katie. Fantastic cause and enjoy the scenery on the way round!....it will keep your mind off the 'pain'.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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A
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S11 months, 3 weeks
Susie
Good luck on your mammoth, incredible run you legend!! You're an inspiration! I'll be waiting for you at the Cap for your big return! Love you! Susie xxx
£ 20.00
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A12 months
Andrew Ridland
Best of luck Katie - a great cause and touching story that will resonate with many.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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K12 months
Kevin SB
What an amazing challenge to take on and for such a worthy cause. Good luck! You should write a book about it afterwards :-)
£ 200.00 (+£50.00)
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K12 months
Kate Thackeray
Very, very foolish!! But also very brave and noble. I hope it goes really well and you enjoy the experience.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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K12 months
Katie Clarke
Couldn’t be prouder!! You are going to smash this. Can’t wait to hear all the stories along the way and the massive celebrations at the end. Given that ur Spanish supporters always here to put a smile on your face when needed and that well deserved holiday after x
£ 25.00
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S12 months
Sarah Shao
You’re incredible, a massive good luck and hope you enjoy it along the way!! x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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12 months
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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1 year
Anonymous
🧡
£ 10.00
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N1 year
Nathan Burley
Huge effort - incredible. Weldmar supported my family during my dad’s terminal illness too. So much of what you wrote really hit home. Best of luck you superhero
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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B1 year
Beaves
Good luck dabs, what an incredible thing to do! With you all the way (not literally). Inspirational xx
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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K1 year
Khusiram Gurung
Katie, Best way to honour your loving dad. It will be hard but the out come is the best. Best of Luck and Wishes. 👍🙏🎉 (I work with your mum)
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 year
Stuart Campbell
Best of luck Katie, a great effort + cause for a great man. Sure you'll ace it!
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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A1 year
Aaran F-H
Good luck, Katie! I don’t know you but I’m a friend of Alex - we met in Germany. Thoughts to the whole family - you’ll smash it I’m sure!
£ 10.00
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C1 year
Cait Norman
Best of luck Katie!! Your Dad would be very proud and is looking out for you xx
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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W1 year
Wayne Hamlett
Hi Kate, your mum told me about your challenge. Your dad would be very proud of you. Xx
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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1 year
Rob J
Good luck Katie! Important to keep hydrated so plenty of pub stops along the way!
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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H1 year
Harriet Chatfield
Uncle Chris 💙 Always in our hearts. Katie he is and will be forever proud of you 💕
£ 30.00
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L1 year
Lee Potter
Good luck with your challenge Katie, I am sure you will smash hit!!!! Whenever you get down, cold and wet and tired just remember why you are doing it and I am sure that will spur you on to the end where I am sure your mum will be there with a bottle of bubbly!! ( I work with your mum in Andover)
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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R1 year
Rajukumar Gurunh
Good Luck Katie, Well done for your hard work for the good cause and proud mum Terry.
£ 20.00
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1 year
Anonymous
All The Best, Katie.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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D1 year
Diana Gover
Good luck hope you have dry weather - a very worthwhile cause, well done x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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S1 year
Sheridan Mills
Such a courageous thing to do and I wish you all the love and support in this mammoth challenge.
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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J1 year
Jenny Mc
My mind is still blown, the fact you're going to run this! Amazing! I'm sure you'll smash it. Enjoy it too, lots of swim breaks and pasties along the way :)
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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E1 year
Ed O'Ferrall
Good luck Katie! :) I'm sure you'll top both the company distance and elevation leaderboards for these 6-weeks! £1 for every km of elevation ;)
£ 35.00 (+£8.75)
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E1 year
Emelia
Katie, you are absolutely bonkers and I love it. I hope you find comfort in your endeavour to honour your dad. Anyone would be proud of someone doing something like this for them. Even though I never met him, just by knowing you, I have a good idea of how great he was. Always here if you need a work break and a chat! You'll smash this!! Love Emelia xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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M1 year
Mary Jackson
Hi Katie We are fiends of your Uncle John and Val and we got to know them through our close friendship with your Aunty Bet and Paul. We have our own arrangements regarding charity donations and don’t usually donate in this way but reading John’s post was moving, to say the least. Reading your rationale for running the South West Coast Path was truly inspirational. Your dad would be so very proud of you. Good luck and well done thus far. Mary and Howard Jackson x x
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J
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J1 year
Josie, Tony, Jack & Sam Aylward (Tasmania)
Good luck with it all. It's a great cause xx
£ 20.00
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1 year
Anonymous
Hi Katie, your Aussie Aylward family here. Wishing you lots of luck. You go for it girl - a great adventure and hope you have fun! Love Paul, Jackie and Zoe Aylward
£ 30.00
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M1 year
Mike Yvonne Jack Molly Daisy and lyla
So proud of you Katie from your Liverpool family our Chris will be beaming with pride xx
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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1 year
Amy
This is absolutely amazing!!! Our Chris would be so proud of you!!! Can’t wait to see the insta posts! Good luck kid, a well deserved holiday over here once you’ve done this!! Xxxxx
£ 50.00
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1 year
Bo
Go on the big gal! Love you so much you’re a fooooking legend! I know you’ll absolutely smash this challenge big boy & here to support you all the way!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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1 year
Anonymous
Hi Katie, Good luck with your challenge Uncle Willie
£ 10.00
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L1 year
Les and Dave O'Brien(Liverpool)
This is an enormous challenge -well done- your dad will be behind you all the way pushing you on.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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K1 year
Katie
Katie this is phenomenal! What a challenge and an amazing experience it will be, and for such wonderful charities ❤️ Sending you all our love and very best of wishes, Katie & Kaz xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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J1 year
Jenna Matt & Peggy
You will smash this Dabs, we are all right behind you (well, from the sofa) and what a way to leave a legacy for your Dad All our love xxx
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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G1 year
Gronners
Absolute legend. Truly heroic on so many levels. A epic test of endurance mentally and physically. Champion super proud, and will be even prouder once you smash it. You’ve got this xx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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1 year
Anonymous
£ 10.00
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E1 year
Emma
You got this Dabs ! So proud of you. Love you trust you always xxxxxxxxxxxx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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R1 year
Robert Wilkinson
I have been walking the path on and off, but to run it all.....wow will be an understatement. A great cause as sadly all families are affected by cancer. A friend of your uncle John I will be pleased to raise a pint when you finish.
£ 25.00 (+£6.25)
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S1 year
Stuart and Christine
Hi Katie. Good luck with your challenge. It sounds almost impossible but John tells me if anyone can do it, you can! You'll smash it!!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J1 year
Jimmy Furlong
Katie , I’m an Evertonian mate of your Uncle John Aylward in Liverpool. Good Luck on your challenge , your dad would be so proud of you 💙. Jimmy Furlong & Family (Nil Satis Nisioptimum) x
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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D1 year
Dave & Lance
Good luck on this incredible challenge Dabs, you’ll absolutely smash it! X
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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W1 year
Wendy & Les from Liverpool
We are good friends of John & Val and there next door neighbours. We too have been through the horrific experience of loosing close family to the dreaded big C. We admire what you are doing and understand your gratitude to Cancer Research and the pain you are going through. Hopefully our donation will support your efforts. Good luck, your dad will be proud xxxx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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B1 year
Brummy
An incredible challenge for incredible causes. I can only imagine what this will mean to you and your family. Proud of you mate x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J1 year
Jane M
Wow Katie you’ll smash it and I can just imagine how proud Chris would be of you for taking up this formidable challenge! Take good care of yourself on the run and stay safe xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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G1 year
Gill Ireland
What a fantastic thing you're doing Katie, you certainly have got to be admired for the challenge you have set. It's a wonderful cause and you Dad would have been so proud of you. You will definitely earn the title of 'Super Katie' Lots of love and best wishes Gill & Pete xx
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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1 year
Anonymous
Kate - what a wonderful thing you are doing. Your Dad would be so proud of you, as we all are. Wishing you all success and the best, Love Stephen and Mary
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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I1 year
Issy
So incredibly proud of you mate. Will be there to cheer you on and raise a glass at the end. Go smash it hero Xx
£ 30.00
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D1 year
Daisy Skinner
You go Dabs! Sounds like an incredible challenge and you’re going to smash it out the park!! Amazing ♥️
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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N1 year
Neha
What an amazing thing to do to honour the memory of your Dad & to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the Weldmar Hospicecare trust! Good luck maaaate- No doubt you’ll smash it! X
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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T1 year
Tash & Dave O
Such an incredible feat you’re doing and beautiful causes… wishing you all the strength and motivation on your journey Dabs x x x
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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1 year, 1 month
Anonymous
£ 10.00
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H1 year, 1 month
Helen Berentzen
Fabulous plan Katie! I’m so impressed. Lots of love Hel xxxx
£ 20.00
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J1 year, 1 month
John, Val and Alicia Aylward
To our Katie, We're so proud of you sweetheart. Just like your dad, Actions not Words. Sending you all our Love JVA, some of Liverpool fam xxx
£ 100.00
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N1 year, 1 month
Nana Mary
To my beautiful granddaughter Katie, I'm so proud of you for taking on this challenge. Love you Nana Mary from Liverpool xx
£ 1,000.00
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N1 year, 1 month
Nikki and Bryan Upson
Good luck Katie, we hope the wind will be at your back!
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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M1 year, 1 month
Miranda Pigott
Katie - this is amazing! Well done to you and I wish you all the luck in the world. Love Miranda, Alaia & Portia xx
£ 20.00
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P1 year, 1 month
Peter and Phyl
Good luck with the challenge Katie We were so fond of your Dad
£ 50.00
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B1 year, 1 month
Bethan & Dave
Well done Kate, your Dad would be so proud of you! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Bethan & Dave. X
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 year, 1 month
Anonymous
A brave and admirable endeavour to support good causes and in memory of a thoroughly decent man and great friend. Well done Katie and good luck! Alan and Hazel
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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K1 year, 1 month
Kate and Keith
Wishing you all the best Katie, we are so proud of what you are doing. All the best, nana Dot, grandad, Katie and Keith xxx
£ 50.00
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T1 year, 1 month
The stevenseseses
Just the thought of this challenge makes me feel queasy! What an amazing way to honour your dad’s memory. Good luck! xxx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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T1 year, 1 month
Terri Aylward
Katie, I'm so incredibly proud and overwhelmed by what you are doing in memory of your Dad. It's a huge challenge and for such worthwhile charities, both who played such an important role in your Dad's care. All my love Mum xxx
£ 200.00
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