A RYEDALE woman is getting ready for her first-ever marathon in her best friend's honour.

Kathy Boothman, 43, who lives in Nawton, is donning her running shoes for the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon on October 9, raising money for the Castle Hill intensive care unit, which treated her friend Jaimie, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Last year, Kathy took part in the York 10 mile run, raising £300 in Jaimie’s name - her friend who died aged just 38.

Having suffered from nephrotic syndrome, a kidney problem, since she was a child, Jaimie had become seriously ill as a result of complications and her condition meant a kidney transplant was not a viable option.

“She was always encouraging everybody,” Kathy said about Jaimie, who worked in racehorse training. “If she knew I was doing this, she would say I was mad.

“When I did the 10k in August last year she was in hospital at the time. She sent me a text in the morning to wish me good luck and said she wanted to know how I did. In the car on the way home I heard an advert for the York 10 mile race and I decided to do that for her.”

The run raised £300 for Castle Hill intensive care unit, which had previously saved Jaimie’s life.

“She was over the moon,” Kathy said, “She was very proud, even though she was so sick.”

This year Kathy is stepping up the challenge and is running her first-ever marathon in her best friend’s honour.

“She had suffered a long time, though many people didn’t even know she was ill,” Kathy said. “My suffering running 26 miles is rather insignificant in comparison.”

The pair, who both worked with horses, had met through their work.

Jaimie’s family - her parents Brian and Sheila, sister Toni and partner Tony - suggested the money Kathy raises in the marathon goes towards Castle Hill intensive care unit for a second time, and Kathy is also raising money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which has helped many people who have suffered riding accidents.

She said she will be thinking of Jaimie as she starts the marathon.

“I’ll feel emotional, she will be helping me round I’m sure.”

If you would like to sponsor Kathy, email kathyboothman@tiscali.co.uk