Leighton Buzzard woman's marathon challenge to support Young Minds Trust

A woman from Leighton Buzzard will be running the Milton Keynes virtual marathon to raise money for Young Minds Trust in memory of lost lives.

Katharine Smith, 45, who is the community champion for Morrisons in Leighton Buzzard, will be tackling 26.2 miles on Saturday, September 19, and the money raised will be matched by the Morrisons Foundation pound for pound.

The race course takes in the beautiful lakes and scenery of Milton Keynes. The self-supported race features advanced timing technology with built-in turn-by-turn voice navigation for round-the-clock service in a two week period from September 6.

This is not Katharine's first fundraising challenge, last year she completed seven half marathons and raised over £2,000 for two charities.

She said: "I’m running the Milton Keynes virtual marathon because last year I lost my 20 year old nephew to suicide - I’m also running in memory of friends children who also took their own lives.

"I would really like to raise as much money as possible to hopefully save someone else losing their child to suicide.

"Our young people need support there is so much pressure out there social media, pressure from school, from home, from work, peer pressure - life is difficult!

"The pressure on young people Is immense Covid has been difficult for everyone but particularly young people - I want to raise as much as possible - so far I have raised £2,230 all money pound for pound is match funded by The Morrisons Foundation.

"I am raising money for Young Minds in memory of Rhys Shearan [Katherine's nephew], 17, Matthew Jones, 17, Matthew Humphreys, 13, and Ruth Cursons, 17. There is help available."

"Life got too much and all the wonderful things that awaited them were taken away. The devastation left behind is unbearable.

"These young people were adored by their family and friends, if only they knew how much they were loved.

"It’s okay not to be okay - absolutely nobody is normal - there is no such thing. Please talk to your friends talk to your family, talk.

"I want to raise as much money as possible and raise awareness of suicide, it is something that people don't like to talk about but I think it needs to be spoken about more so people know there is help out there.

"A young person looking for help and support can text the Young Minds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support - if you need urgent help text YM to 85258.

"Parents can call the Parents helpline on 0808 8025544."

Young Minds Trust is the UK’s leading charity fighting to ensure a better future for young minds, for more information and support visit: youngminds.org.uk.

To make a donation visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/smiffyk