A keen fundraiser for many years, Kate, from Vauxhall in London, has walked more than 1,000 miles along all the major canals in England helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
But when her friend Caterina Goodhart was diagnosed with MND in 2023 Kate vowed to complete one final challenge to help raise money for the MND Association – a cause which has become very close to her heart.
On Monday, Kate, who is 72, completed her Canals of England challenge walking 120 miles along all the major canals in England finishing where the Thames and Severn Canal meets the River Thames at Inglesham, near Lechlade in Gloucestershire. So far Kate’s latest challenge has raised more than £10,000 to support the MND Association’s work.
Kate explained: “I first met Caterina in Italy more than 40 years ago and we are very close to her and her husband, Christopher.
“Two years ago, Caterina fell against a guard rail which gave way, and onto cliffs and rocks eight meters below. She was later diagnosed with MND and we were all completely devastated.
“Her speech was the first to go and now she is wheelchair-bound. She now communicates via her computer using her eyes - such is the miracle of modern technology.
“She remains the powerhouse she has always been, running The London School of Picture and Frame Restoration in the UK and India, has been the subject of a documentary made by her daughter, Davinia, and is a very involved grandmother to her first grandchild, Allegra.
“Caterina and her family have been hugely supported by the NHS and the MND Association for which they are extremely grateful.
“We are all familiar with this cruel disease through the likes of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, both rugby players, and many of us will know friends and family affected by this disease. I hope people are inspired by my endeavour.”
You can support Kate’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ainslie-williams-9
For more information about MND and the MND Association please visit www.mndassociation.org