This Sunday, the wonderful Kate will be lacing up her shoes and donning her Welsh Women’s Aid vest as she takes on the iconic TCS London Marathon 2026!
When we reviewed applications for our 2026 London Marathon charity place, Kate’s immediately stood out. From her words it was clear how deeply this challenge, and our cause, matter to her and we knew Kate would be a wonderful Welsh Women’s Aid ambassador.
Since securing her place, she has thrown herself into her training and fundraising and has already raised over £3,000, an amazing achievement that highlights her commitment and the wonderful support she has around her Kate has also accessed her employer’s generous match giving scheme’, meaning that an additional £3,000 will be donated to Welsh Women’s Aid on top of her personal fundraising – a big thank you to Admiral!
As you may know, fundraising like this is vital for our work to end violence and abuse against women and girls. Every pound raised helps us continue to stand up for the thousands of survivors across Wales. Without the dedication of supporters like Kate, much of what we do simply wouldn’t be possible.
We’re proud to have Kate as our London Marathon 2026 runner and grateful for the dedication and hard work she has shown. In this Q&A, we get to know more about her journey, what motivates her, and most importantly, what is on her running playlist!
- Hi Kate – please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Originally from London, I moved to Wales seven years ago and live in central Cardiff with my partner and our fur‑baby, a British Shorthair cat called Coco. Outside of work, I love staying active – whether that’s running, pilates, or yoga – and I’m a bit of a foodie, mostly when it comes to eating rather than cooking! I turned 26 this year, so I’ve decided to take on all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon – let’s hope it’s my lucky number!
- Why did you decide to run for Welsh Women’s Aid?
The work that Welsh Women’s Aid does to end domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women is a cause that’s so important to me. I’m sure so many people can relate, but the reality of being a woman means, unfortunately, seeing and hearing and experiencing difficult stories. The headlines and politics occasionally make me feel powerless to change anything, so I’m running because I wanted to support change for women, even in my own small way.
- How is your training going?
It’s been a rollercoaster – plenty of blood, sweat, and tears along the way. This is my first marathon, so it’s been a journey of testing my own resilience, starting my long runs and really not knowing whether or not I would be able to make the distance. But now that I’m tapering and the start line is in sight – I do feel ready and that alone makes me so proud of myself. Shout out to my amazing family and friends, as well as the WWA team, for being my cheerleaders along the way!
- What is on your running playlist?
Anything and everything – I’ve been trying to switch it up so I don’t get bored! Raye is my staple – if ever I’m really struggling that helps me keep moving – especially her new album!
- What have you been doing to fundraise?
I feel very fortunate that I have very generous family, friends, and colleagues. I’ve also been lucky enough to receive corporate funding – I never thought I’d be able to raise as much as I have and it really spurs me on when I’m running.
- What are you most looking forward to on the day of the London Marathon?
A large glass of wine at the finish! Tower Bridge is also up there. They say you can hear the crowd about a mile or two out and thinking about it I can’t help smiling. People say that the hundreds of miles you do in training is the marathon, and the race itself is the victory lap – I’m looking forward to soaking it all in, reflecting on the full-circle moment it will be for me, seeing my friends and family on the route, and hopefully keeping a smile on my face – even if I get passed by someone carrying a fridge or dressed as a rhino!
- What do you want to say to anyone that has donated?
Just the most enormous thank you! When I’ve had a tough day training, I’ve really doubted that I’d be able to finish the marathon, and on some days, whether I even wanted to try. Every single person who has donated has believed that I can do this – and so I feel like I’ll be carrying all their support round the course with me – I honestly couldn’t have done it without them – words don’t do justice to the gratitude I feel!
From all of us here at Welsh Women’s Aid – thank you Kate and good luck!
If you’re feeling inspired by Kate, why not apply to run in the London Marathon 2027! Our Welsh Women’s Aid applications will be open on Sunday 26th April – good luck!
If you have any questions, or want to discuss other ways to fundraise, please get in touch with our dedicated fundraising team and they’ll be happy to help – [email protected].