Running for Darcy: Kate Foster takes on the TCS London Marathon in tribute to her daughter
When Kate Foster lines up at the start of the TCS London Marathon this April, she will be thinking about her daughter Darcy.
As an occupational therapist supporting children with mental health needs, Kate is used to giving strength to others. But her own running journey, and the extraordinary fundraising that has come with it, has become a source of healing and purpose.
This year, she’s taking on her first marathon and has already raised more than £9,000 for Sands, a pregnancy and baby loss charity. Her connection to Sands began 13 years ago when her daughter Darcy was stillborn at 38 weeks.
“Losing a child in any way is horrific, but for me personally, with Darcy being stillborn, it’s a really lonely type of grief,” she says.
“You don’t just grieve for that baby; you have to let go of them and go to their funeral. I still grieve for her now; she would have been 13 in June. It’s that relationship I would have had with my daughter, the things we would have done together.”
Kate began to attend her local Derby Sands group and later trained as a Sands Befriender, supporting other bereaved parents.
“No one knows what to say when you’ve lost a child, so having a community of people who understand that, and can support you, is invaluable.”
The Sands community became a lifeline for Kate, and she encourages anyone going through something similar to turn to those who understand.
“I’d always encourage people to seek support. Sands is an incredible charity that offers support for parents, families, friends and work colleagues.”
“It’s okay to feel the way you feel; to take time to grieve in the way you need to grieve. Each day is difficult and it’s something that never fully goes away. I am still heartbroken 13 years later that Darcy isn’t here as part of my life and it will always remain a huge part of who I am.”
The London Marathon has always held a special place in Kate’s heart: her dad ran it twice when she was young.
“We went to watch him both times. I’ve always said, ‘One day I’m going to do that.’ And if I was ever going to do it, I knew I wanted to do it for Sands, a charity that means everything to me, and in Darcy’s memory.”
She’s also looking forward to the sense of community on the course.
“I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories and see who they’re running for. It will be happy and emotional at the same time.”
Her secret to successful fundraising?
This isn’t the first time Kate has fundraised for Sands. Over the years she’s raised around £16,000 for her local group, helping to maintain the Derby Sands ‘Always Loved, Never Forgotten’ Baby Memorial Garden, a dedicated space honouring babies lost during pregnancy, birth or in the weeks and months after birth.
Kate’s main advice is to get creative with your fundraising.
“Think outside the box. It doesn’t have to be massive charity balls.”
Her most recent charity night included an auction, raffle and donated prizes ranging from a Manchester United shirt to a box at the races.
“But you can also do cake sales at work, raffles, and ask local businesses to donate vouchers. It doesn’t always have to be huge – every little bit helps, and people are incredibly generous.”
