Upper Basildon student spurred on by Starlight donations

Kate Swann, aged 21, (pictured), set off from John O’Groats on July 8 with her friend Blue, to raise money for the Starlight Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously and terminally-ill children across the UK.
The pair will be sleeping under the stars on their journey of more than 1,000 miles to Land’s End, Cornwall, that will take around seven weeks at a rate of 30 miles a day. They hope to have reached Leigh, in Wigan, by today (Thursday).
Their epic trek has seen some lows, including blisters, mosquito bites and torrential downpours but these have been offset with the highs of visits from friends and family, as well as donations from passers by.
Miss Swann, who is studying for a degree in sports rehabilitation at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham and worked at the Olympic Village during London 2012, has already doubled her £1,000 target, but hopes to raise as much as she can for Starlight.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received along the way,” she said.
“There have been some really tough points, but knowing that I will be helping Starlight to bring much-needed fun and laughter to very poorly children across the UK has been enough to keep me going. I am sure it will spur me on to Lands End.”
To make a donation, visit