‘I’m doing Paras challenge for Dad’
APERSONAL trainer from Southport is taking on a paratrooper challenge on Saturday in honour of her dad.
Katie Tanner, 35, who trains at the Warehouse Gym, is preparing for the Paras’ 10 TAB (tactical advance to battle) challenge on September 7.
It is a multi-terrain endurance event where participants run a 10-mile cross country route in Catterick, North Yorkshire, wearing a bergen (rucksack) weighing 35lb.
The mum-of-three is training with her friend Laura Gardner, 31, a nurse at Southport Hospital.
Entrants have to wear combat trousers and hiking boots with ankle support; medals and T-shirts will be awarded to all finishers.
The Paras’ 10 route is in an active military area used to prepare troops and vehicles for operations all over the world.
Many can take on the course as a personal challenge and Katie is raising money for Queenscourt Hospice.
She said: “My dad, Jim Webb, passed away at age 59. He suffered global brain damage as the result of a motorbike accident 17 years ago.
“It was difficult because he didn’t qualify as a cancer patient but they were there to provide very much-needed help.
“He always wanted to be at home and to pass away with family and Queenscourt Hospice came in towards the end and they were amazing.
“They offered us some respite as I have three sisters and one brother and we would take it in turns to look after him.
“He needed injections and various medications every couple of hours.
“A prescription nurse from the hospice, Laura Rose, even came in on her days off.
“The sitters that come in are all volunteers and the service is free of charge. They’re absolutely amazing and we don’t know how we would have done without them.”
Katie has been training hard as the route is only available on the day of the race so this will be her first time experiencing the terrain where paratroopers train.
She said: “Luckily, my husband’s best friend is a paratrooper, so he’s been helping me. I’ve been on a training plan and gradually increasing weight.
“It’s good, it’s in honour of my dad and it’s keeping me focused and me and my friend Laura keep each other motivated.
“I want to do this for Queenscourt Hospice and give something back to them so that’s making me more determined.”
Queenscourt has a small amount of government funding but relies mainly on charitable donations.
Katie added: “I know a lot of hospices have had to close because of lack of funding. It’s horrible, but we’re all going to get to that point towards the end of our lives in one way or another and you don’t realise how much you need that care until you’re in that situation.
“Queenscourt Hospice provides an absolutely amazing service and we want to make sure we get some funds raised for them.”
To sponsor Katie’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ katietanner1-dad.