Farmer’s successful Swiss marathon

Kate, who manages her family business at Marshalls Farm, Kirdford, West Sussex, was inspired to run the marathon having completed a half-marathon last year.

She chose to raise money for Horsham-based charity Action Medical Research with her run.

The course of the Swiss City Marathon wound around the shores of Lac Lucerne and took place on October 25. Kate finished 117th out of 285 women runners - an extraordinary feat for a first time marathon runner.

Kate enjoyed the experience, and finished the race strongly. The 27-year-old said the months of serious training paid off, but admitted the thought of some Swiss chocolate and a beer at the end was probably an incentive.

Action Medical Research, which was founded by Kate’s step-grandfather, former Amberley, West Sussex, resident Duncan Guthrie, is offering hope to the many thousands of families who are dealing with the trauma of a baby born too early, striving to support a child affected by disability, or facing the challenge of caring for a child with a rare and devastating disease for which there is no cure.

Right now the best medical minds in children’s hospitals and universities across the UK are waiting for the green light to start research that could lead to life-changing treatments for babies and children. They just need the funding.

Kate’s sponsorship page is still open, at https://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/katelywood, where 100% of the money donated goes to the charity.

Report contributed by Sandy Guthrie. Picture by Jeremy Way.