My sister, Katie Ratcliffe, aged just 33 passed away suddenly last year on 19th July. Katie was full of life, creativity, positivity and we miss her every single day. Katie left behind her husband John and their two beautiful children, Henry and Heidi, her two loving parents, Richard and Sally and my brother Chris.

I had originally hoped to organise a charity race for Katie in Sandbach this spring. Due to Covid-19 restrictions this is not possible but, inspired by a virtual event I ran in April 2020, I have setup this virtual event in Katie’s memory.

I’m asking anyone who would like to, to run or walk 5km for Katie on Sunday 31st May 2020. The routes can be in your local park, street or even back garden. We would like to make the event as fun and inclusive as possible, for adults and children, so would like to encourage anyone to run or walk, at whatever time of the day suits you and your family. With this in mind, I have also setup an alternative 2km event for children.

Katie died of a hidden heart complaint called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Beat SCAD are a charity campaigning for greater awareness to ensure the deadly condition is spotted as early as possible. Often misdiagnosed as anxiety or a panic attack, it can strike at any age. Around 90 percent of cases affect women and most victims have no risk factors for “classic” heart disease. Beat SCAD also fund research to understand why fit, healthy people suddenly develop SCAD, and provide support to patients and their families.

We are also hoping to raise money for Friends of Wheelock School and the school will use the money donated to setup a sensory memorial garden in Katie's memory. Katie enjoyed working at the school for 10 years and the staff at the school have all been devastated since Katie passed. Katie taught lots of kids throughout her time at Wheelock School so it was important to include a 2km alternative run or walk for any kids who would like to remember Katie during this event (children can still walk or run the 5km event should they prefer).

As it is not possible to setup a Just Giving page for two charities, this event page has been setup so that funds can be donated to Friend's of Wheelock School charity but I have liasied with the school who confirmed that 50% of all funds raised for this event will subsequently be transferred to Beat SCAD.

Katie has always loved flowers and this time last year was enjoying a Bluebell walk with her family at Rode Hall in Cheshire. At London 2012, I think Katie secretly enjoyed the time in the Olympic Park among the flowers than the actual sport we watched. So, to brighten up everyone’s run and send a flowery message to heaven, we are suggesting a floral theme either in the clothes you wear or any pictures you take and upload them to the facebook page that we have created.

Whilst taking part in this event please respect the social distancing guidelines in place at the time. At the time of writing, this means any runs should either be completed solo or with friends or family living at your own home.

Please also ensure that all routes are safe and run responsibly.

We hope you enjoy the event and come together to remember my beautiful sister.