In 2023, Kath Evans took part in Cavell’s #10kYourWay, completing many different running challenges and raising a total of £500 for Cavell to support the nursing and midwifery family through tough times.

Impressively, Kath ran almost 60 miles in just one single running event! Looking back, she said, “The longest was a run from Glasgow to Edinburgh covering 58 miles in the rain! This was all in aid of fundraising for Cavell, which is a charity very close to my heart. Throughout my 35-year-career in the NHS, I’ve worked with the most phenomenal nurses, midwives and support workers. Some of those colleagues have been through very complex personal situations, yet they haven’t always spoken openly about the problems they were facing. Knowing that Cavell is there to offer confidential support is so important to me as I’ve seen the difference that Cavell’s help makes in the lives of colleagues and friends.” Speaking of our charity’s namesake, Kath added, “Edith Cavell was clearly there for her team and her legacy lives on through this charity in a really practical way.”

Kath’s fundraising challenge was a test of her strength, determination, and willpower to carry on even in the toughest of circumstances; “I can honestly say that I pushed myself to the limit… I still have scars from where my backpack straps rubbed when I was soaked by rain on the Glasgow to Edinburgh run. Yet despite the pain, I learnt that you can always dig deeper and keep going, even when it feels impossible. More importantly though, when all else has failed, I learnt that a Mars bar really does give you a sugar boost!” What’s more, people flooded social media to show their support and encourage Kath along the journey. “The best part of doing this challenge for Cavell was all the kind messages that kept me going; I was so grateful for the support and to everyone that donated even a small amount.”

Running has always been a passion of Kath’s, so to be able to do something she loves to support the professions that she deeply cares about is a bonus; “Running keeps me fit and gives me a mental break from everyday life. I love the headspace that running offers me with time to think and process things. And I simply love being out in the fresh air along with the therapeutic plodding, just one foot in front of the other.”

Although her fundraising was part of Cavell’s #10kYourWay challenge for October, Kath ran throughout 2023 as part of a much bigger initiative; “My fundraising was part of a wider, year-long personal challenge to complete #NHS1000miles each year. For those that have never heard of this, I started the ‘NHS 1000 miles’ challenge with some colleagues as part of the NHS 70th birthday celebrations in 2018. It was a commitment to get more active and improve our mental and physical wellbeing, with the idea to hopefully reduce a reliance on the NHS, too.”

If you’re interested in joining Kath in 2024, she has a message for you; “All movement counts towards 1000 miles, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming, and anyone can get involved (it’s not too late to commit to this for 2024). All you need to do is keep track of the miles you complete across the year and use the hashtag to post updates on social media. In addition to being motivated by your personal fitness goals, it’s also an opportunity to raise money for charity. Will you join me for 2024 in raising money and completing the #NHS1000miles? I totalled 3485 miles last year and I have never felt better. It would be wonderful if more people got involved and together, we could raise more vital funds for Cavell in 2024.”

Kath is proud of her career, but she knows that it’s a profession that desperately needs supporting; “I love being a nurse, yet it’s a tough job that is both physically and mentally demanding. Colleagues often face many challenges personally and professionally, and they deserve to be able to turn to someone when they need some help. Nurses, midwives, and support workers need to know how valued and appreciated they are, now more than ever.”

If you have been inspired by Kath’s story and would like to fundraise to support the nursing and midwifery family through tough times, get involved here.