The Forces Children’s Trust benefits greatly from the huge efforts of fund raisers doing a wide range of sponsored activities. They raise money but also increase awareness of the charity. Many fund raisers have a direct link with the Forces Children’s Trust. This is Kate’s story.

“Jon was killed in Iraq in November 2006 leaving behind myself and our two small boys, Jake and Billy. It was one year later that I heard about FCT when we were invited on a trip to Lap Land courtesy of the charity and Noel Edmunds Christmas presents show. That was a turning point at which I decided to focus on the children and try to make them happy although it all felt like such a struggle on my own.

Running has been a great way for me to work out some of the frustrations that bereavement brings and my very good friend Sandra and I have religiously pounded the pavements week after week in the pursuit of fitness and all its benefits. Sandra is married to an ex-serving soldier and has four children. She has done the GNR twice before and being a girl from the North East told of it's wonderful atmosphere and the friendly people. We decided to do it together this year and the obvious choice of charity was FCT. Lap Land was so magical for Jake and I that it felt only right to try to give something back to the charity.

Jake still talks about our visit to Santa and it is heart warming for any mum to see a child smiling and having fun despite their troubles. It has been really good to spread the word of FCT and everyone has been really supportive and generous. Some of our friends have actively enjoyed out bidding each-other with their donations! The race was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was awesome and people were very friendly. We were waving at the cameras in the hope of getting on the TV!

It's very motivating to run for charity and for me personally it came at the right time. Jake now four and a half is so impressed with my medal that he's told me to do the run twice more so he and Billy can have medals of their own.”  - Kate Hollingsworth.

If you want to raise money and awareness for the Forces Childrens Trust, please do contact us.