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.”
UPDATE: Two men charged with robbery and burglary offences at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Community garden taking shape in memory of Heysham toddler
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
