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.”
Fines for motorists who enter Lancaster bus gate as camera comes into force
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Police chase scenes filmed in Morecambe for TV drama The Bay
Danger warning after cyclists targeted for anti-social behaviour at Lancaster race track
First plants for Eden Project Morecambe garden arrive in Morecambe
New cafe opens on Morecambe Prom
Lancaster county councillor steps down from adult care role
Search helicopters called out after reports of child swimmers in bay at Heysham
Prize draw for £3.4m beachfront house raising £1m for Eden Project Morecambe enters final days
Lancaster University weather station records highest ever May temperature
Lancaster fundraiser can't wait to get 'quacking' on inflatable duck canal trip
Lancaster and Morecambe area landlords invited to join new housing forum
Fraud warning issued after Lancaster woman targeted in phone scam
Steampunks receive £7k cash boost ahead of Morecambe festival
LISTEN: D-Day hero to open new Lancaster Armed Forces veterans centre on 102nd birthday
'Carnage' on Heysham roads as traffic gridlock issues worsen
Plans go in for major upgrade of St John's Hospice in Lancaster
Shirt stunt at Morecambe FC backs Tyson Fury and Zlatan Ibrahimovic takeover bid
Increased police presence around Lancaster district ahead of TT Races
Rare portrait painted by Eric Morecambe comes to light after 60 years
Lancaster hospital launches ‘Grab Bags’ scheme for patients fleeing violence
