8th Dec 2009

Kate Rowsell's mum

Kate completes the Great South Run in memory of her Mum (Update)

On Sunday October 25th 2009 at 11am, Kate and her boyfriend James took place behind the start line of the Great South Run determined to complete the 10 mile race in memory of Kate's mum and in support of Sail 4 Cancer.

1 hour and 45 minutes later, they finally crossed the finish line, satisfied with their performance as well as with the funds they managed to raise for Sail 4 Cancer.


Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, Kate & James collected close to £700 which will be used to fund additional sailing days and holidays for cancer patients and their families next year.

On behalf of Sail 4 Cancer, a heartfelt thank you to Kate & James as well as to everyone who encouraged and supported them.

Kate runs the Great South Run in memory of her Mum

Sunday 25th October 2009, 11am – 10 miles!

I've decided to run in the Great South Run for Sail for Cancer this year! I will be joined by my boyfriend James for the duration of the ten miles – as long as he can keep up with me!
But why did I choose to raise money for Sail for Cancer? The smile on my Mum's face in the photo of our Sail for Cancer trip in August 2008 pretty much says it all...

My Mum, an amateur yet enthusiastic sailor, jumped at the chance to crew a small sailing boat for the day, as did James and I. It's hard to put into words what an amazing day we had on the Solent and it will be one I'll never forget. Pulling the ropes, taking turns at helm – not to mention the great lunch and copious amounts of tea provided!

My Mum passed away on the 25th October 2008 and the sailing day we had together is one of the happiest memories I have. I promised myself from that day that if there was anything I could do to help other families enjoy such an amazing day, I would. And that's where the running comes in….

	History and Tradition
	The Bupa Great South Run is Europe's most popular 10 mile race and dates back to 1990. Started in Southampton before moving to its present location in nearby Portsmouth after just one year, the inaugural event has gone on to now attract the world's top athletes. One of the biggest highlights happened in 2008 when Britain's Paula Radcliffe broke the British record in 51mins 11secs while the men's race saw an equally dominant display from Kenya's Bernard Kipyego, who won in a respectable time of 46:43. The event gains in popularity every year and in 2008 over 20,000 runners took part.

Those of you that know me will know that I'm not a runner - I never have been and even after this would probably not consider myself one. I was always the chubby kid at school, asked to do the shot putt at sports day because no one else wanted to and I 'looked like I would enjoy it'. And I wasn't even very good at that! Running is my nemesis but I am always up for a challenge.

So, believe me, I don't find running easy! I'm learning to enjoy it due to the amount of time I currently spend training for the run, but I will get there. And it will be with a smile on my face because I know that all the money I raise will go to help families like us have that one special day on the water - not thinking about hospitals, chemo or the future – just living for the now and loving every minute.

And this is where you come in….. If you are able to donate something towards the cause then it can help in so many ways. So please, fill in the form below and donate as much as you can in memory of my beloved Mum and so Sail for Cancer can continue with the amazing work they do.

With love and thanks.

Kate Rowsell

Story by Sandrine Wallace

Donation Form: Kate runs the Great South Run
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