INTERVIEW: Cat Smith to run London Marathon for local hospice

Monday, 13 March 2023 15:05

The Lancaster MP has spoke to Beyond Radio ahead of her running the London Marathon next month for St John’s Hospice.

Cat Smith will run the 26.2 mile distance through the streets of London on April 23, to raise money for the charity in Lancaster.

Cat popped in to the Beyond Radio studios to chat to our presenters Alistair Fisher and Ross Chapman about the challenge ahead.

Click here to listen to the interview in full, where Cat also talks about her love of the football, her sporting idols, and the work that Lancaster City undertake in the local community:

‘’The hospice do an amazing job through the toughest of times, 365 days a year, and all their income comes from fundraising,’’ said Cat.

‘’I’ve been personally touched by the work they do, so this is my way of giving back, and also highlighting the amazing work they do.

‘’I speak to the charity very regularly, and their CEO, Sue McGraw, was the first person to sponsor me. She was so enthusiastic and then I was committed, it’s a bit too late to back out now!’’

Ms Smith completed her first London Marathon in 2021, raising money for local foodbanks.

‘’I ran it the first time in 2021 and said I’d never do it again,’’ she said.

‘’But it’s a real privilege to be able to do something like this. I felt this time I wanted to do something a little more practical. I forgot how the blisters hurt, and all the trauma. I’ve not managed to train as hard as I did last time, which makes me anxious, so I don’t think I’m going to get a personal best!

‘’There’s a gym at the parliamentary estate, so I train there while in London, and in Lancaster my favourite place to run is anywhere without hills, which is quite hard in the city!

‘’I’m not an athlete, but I quite enjoy it. I do it for the endorphins, and the medal. Hopefully I can complete it without collapsing."

St John’s Hospice, based on Slyne Road in Lancaster, has been providing free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions since 1986. Their services cover North Lancashire and the South Lakes.

Sue McGraw from St John's Hospice said: ”Everyone at the hospice is right behind Cat.

"Over the years she has supported us in so many ways, but running the London Marathon on our behalf is just amazing and we are so grateful. Every penny raised will help local people and their families at one of the most difficult times they will face.”

If you would like to donate here is the link