Warwick mum completes 180-mile challenge for cause close to her heart

A mum from Warwick has completed a 180-mile challenge for a cause close to her heart.

Throughout January Katie Lawrence took on the challenge of walking the mammoth distance to help raise money for the charity 'Tiny Tickers'.

Katie, who is also pregnant, said: "I decided to do a fundraiser for the charity Tiny Tickers who give support to families who's baby or child has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD).

"I chose 180 miles to represent the 180 pulse oximetry machines that Tiny Tickers have placed into hospitals across the UK since 2017.

"CHD affects one in every 125 babies in the UK meaning they are born with heart defects or abnormalities. This also means that last year 3,000 babies under one year of age had open heart surgery."

The charity has a special place in Katie's heart as it provided her with help and support after she found that her son had CHD.

During most of her walks she was also accompanied by her son Acer Underhill.

Katie said: "I completed the challenge on January 30 with a day to spare.

"Acer did 80 per cent of the walk with me. However due to his oxygen levels he was mainly in his pushchair.

"The challenge was a lot harder than I anticipated. I planned it all before I was pregnant but I couldn't just change my mind and we carried on

"I feel absolutely amazing that we managed to complete the challenge. I really hope it helps more families like ours."

So far Katie has raised more than £700 for the charity.

Katie added: "I would like to say a massive thank you to the community for the incredible support we received throughout.

"I'd also like to thank my partner Dean Underhill for cheering me and Acer on, even when I was exhausted - I couldn't have done it without him.

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-lawrence180 or go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/walking-180-miles-throughout-january