What charity champion Katie did next...

A champion fundraiser from Chorley has raised more than £5,000 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation after a year long fundraising mission in memory of her mum.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Mar 2017, 10:59 GMT
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:10 GMT
From left to right the Lee family at the Leyland 10K run Katie's brother James, friend Kirstie Lavery, Katie Lee, Jonny (sister Jen's boyfriend), Katie's sister Jen, dad Patrick, brother Oliver and his friend NicFrom left to right the Lee family at the Leyland 10K run Katie's brother James, friend Kirstie Lavery, Katie Lee, Jonny (sister Jen's boyfriend), Katie's sister Jen, dad Patrick, brother Oliver and his friend Nic
From left to right the Lee family at the Leyland 10K run Katie's brother James, friend Kirstie Lavery, Katie Lee, Jonny (sister Jen's boyfriend), Katie's sister Jen, dad Patrick, brother Oliver and his friend Nic

Production planner Katie Lee, 25, set out a gruelling programme of sponsored runs and climbs over 12 months in tribute to mum Ann, who died from cancer in July last year.

Katie, who lives in Millfield Road, Chorley committed herself to climbing a Lakeland peak and taking part in an organised run every month. She completed her mammoth mission with the Leyland Boxing Day run in Worden Park.

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Now she has donated a total of £5,720 to the charity, who run the Rosemere Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital.

Katie said: “Mum was my driving force. She loved the Lake District and we used to walk there a lot, which is why I have climbed mainly Lakeland peaks as part of my challenge. “Mum saw me complete half of the challenge and wanted me to continue with it.

“In some ways, it has helped keep me sane. It has forced me to stay positive and get out and do something when I just wanted to sit and wallow so I am thankful to mum for pushing me to take it on."

Mum-of-four Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago. In 2014, doctors gave her the news she had oesophageal cancer.

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Anne underwent further treatment but in late 2015, she was told the cancer had returned and could not be treated. She died on July 5 2016.

Defiant Katie continued with the charity mission, determined to see it through for her mum. Over the year, she climbed Catbells, Helvellyn and Scafell Pike among others as well as completing her first ever half marathon. She took on a 5k Pretty Muddy in Liverpool as well as numerous 10ks, including one in Salford in the dark.

Her tribute concluded with the Leyland run as a way of honouring her mum, the family’s first Christmas without her.

Dad Patrick, brothers James and Oliver, sister Jen joined her on the Boxing Day event. Best friend Kirstie Lavery also joined her for some of her challenges.

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With the year-long challenge complete Katie has put some of the spare time she has to working as a volunteer in the coffee shop within Rosemere Cancer Centre.

Katie added: “I have also discovered yoga. It’s a new hobby that is helping me with all the aches and pains from all the running!”

To support Katie’s final fundraising push, visit www.justgiving.com/Kit-Lee

Related topics:Lake DistrictChorley