Local couple add their support to Branston’s Charity of the Year

Local couple, Katherine and Lee Durrant, have put their best foot forward in a 200-mile trek, raising £1,500 for St Barnabas Hospice Trust.

Backed by Branston, where she's the supply-chain co-ordinator, Katherine took on the challenge of raising funds for their charity of the year in memory of her stepdad Roy, who sadly passed away in 2017, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Katherine said: “I was overjoyed that Branston selected St Barnabas as its charity of the year 2019, and I immediately knew this was my 'Go' button being pressed.

“Pancreatic cancer took my stepfather Roy in early 2017 and like two rays of warm sunshine, St Barnabas nurses came into our lives and became a crucial support for both Roy and the rest of us. They lovingly cared for Roy and made his wish of passing away in peace at home a reality, as well as comforting and distracting my mum with friendly chit chat and plenty of smiles.”

Katherine and Lee walked and cycled the gruelling 200 miles between Southend on Sea – the location of Katherine’s childhood family home – and Weymouth - where her stepfather went on his final fishing trip. To Katherine’s surprise, an extra person accompanied them on the trek as she recently found out she is expecting a baby in April 2020.

John Griffin, general manager at Branston’s Lincoln site, said: “We’re so proud of Katherine for her incredible efforts and supporting such a wonderful local cause, one that is so close to her heart and helped her at such a difficult time.

“Katherine and Lee did a fantastic job of raising £1,249 for the charity, which we topped up with an additional £251 to help them hit the £1,500 target.”

Mike Pastor, challenge events fundraiser for St Barnabas, said: “We can’t thank Katherine and Lee enough for giving back to St Barnabas and the people of Lincolnshire. They are a true inspiration to all – we know Roy would be proud of them, and so are we.”

To find out more about St Barnabas Hospice, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/.