First of three marathons in two weeks for Kate
Kate Lawton, 44, from Andover, Hampshire is lacing up her trainers, as we go to print, as she gears up to run three 26.2 mile marathons in two weeks to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.
Kate, who is a publican from Andover, will be running her fourth London Marathon in a row for Parkinson’s UK in memory of her father in law,John Lawton. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1996 at the age of 66 and passed away in 2005.
Kate explains: “John was the most intelligent man I knew and it was awful seeing him living with Parkinson’s, and stuck inside this body that failed him when his mind was still so active.
“I didn’t intend to run three marathons initially. I applied for a ballot place in London and didn’t think I would get in. The Paris Marathon is on my 24th wedding anniversary so I booked a place and my husband, Mike, will be coming along to carry my drinks and support me vocally along the way.
“When I found out that I had a place in London I decided to make it three in a row. I have created my own ‘Clatford Marathon’ as I couldn’t find one that would fit into my three week schedule. The Clatford Marathon is not official; however I do have the support of a few runners who will run sections of it with me including the local doctor, Malcolm Stone who is also my training partner.
“I love the challenge of a marathon. I am not very fast but I love the battle you have with your mind and all the different emotions that you go through from elation and determination to total frustration and pain.
“I originally applied for a London Marathon place in 2011 half-heartedly knowing that it was unlikely that I would be accepted as there is so much demand. When Parkinson’s UK phoned to say they were offering me a place my heart sunk and I was terrified. I phoned Terry Anderson who is a local personal trainer, and he gave me all the training and confidence I needed to get complete the 26.2 mile course and I haven’t looked back since.”
Kate will begin her marathon challenge by running the Paris Marathon TODAY, London Marathon on Sunday 13 April and will finish with her own Clatford Marathon on Saturday 19 April at 10am. Kate has devised a route around her pub and she will be running loops, two x 4.70 miles, 2 x 8 miles and then half a mile up the village street and back.
Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Taking part in three marathons in two weeks is an extremely challenging way to raise vital funds to support our work.
“As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is dependent on donations.
“We are incredibly grateful to Kate for her support and wish her well with her mammoth task. I hope her story will inspire others to sign up for one of our running events that happen throughout the year.”
The funds Kate raises from London Marathon sponsorship will allow Parkinson’s UK to continue with its vital research work to find a cure for the condition that affects 127,000 people in the UK. The remaining funds she raises will be donated to the local Parkinson’s UK branch local in Andover. Kate held a pub quiz last October with the help of the Andover Parkinson’s group members and raised £600.
Kate has raised £8,972.89 for Parkinson’s UK since 2011 and is aiming to break the £1,000 barrier this year that will take her fundraising to an amazing £10,000.
To sponsor Kate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/katelawton1
Kate and her husband Mike have been running The Royal Oak at Goodworth Clatford near Andover for the past 13 years. Kate will be having a party after the Clatford Marathon in aid of Parkinson’s UK with a hog roast and music, on Saturday 19 April from 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
Those who are not taking part in the London Marathon are invited to come and cheer on the Parkinson’s UK team of runners on the day. There will be dedicated Parkinson’s UK charity supporter points along the route.
To find out more about Parkinson’s UK’s future running events, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/running or email: [email protected]