Power worker’s stitches and strides for her dad’s lifesavers
A power worker turned crochet hooks and running shoes into cash for The Sussex Heart Charity, inspired by her dad’s life-saving care.
Katie Field, from Crawley, stitched together two polar-opposite charity challenges to thank medical staff and paramedics who saved her dad’s life on February 26.
Every night for a month, Katie made crochet keyrings, toys, flowers and blankets to sell to colleagues, boosting fundraising ahead of her biggest challenge – the South Coast Ultra Challenge on Saturday (5 September). She trekked 100km for just over 21hours from Polegate, over Seven Sisters, along the coast, then inland to the finish at Arundel Football Club.
The two challenges raised £396 for The Sussex Heart Charity, which her employer UK Power Networks will match up to £100, to thank staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and South East Coast Ambulance Service for excellent care that enabled her dad to make a near-complete recovery from a heart attack.
Katie said: “I wanted to do something positive after my dad’s heart attack and the incredible care he received. The emergency services and cardiology teams were amazing, and I had to do something to say thank you. Since then, my dad has made a great recovery.
“I have thrown myself into training during the hottest summer ever with a series of demanding long-distance events including a 10km, half marathon, 20-mile Royal Ramble, 48km South Coast walk and 78km Downs Link challenge, ahead of my first 100km ultra marathon.
“The 100k ultra challenge was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but knowing every step helped a brilliant cause kept me going. The Sussex Heart Charity changes lives and supports families through some of their most difficult moments, so it meant a lot to support their work.
“Colleagues loved my crochet and were incredibly generous with their donations, so I made more than expected and I’m still receiving donations now. I’m grateful for every one of them.”
Katie is already signed up for her second ultra marathon on October 18 – the Crawley Ultra.
Matt Denison, chief executive of Sussex Heart Charity, said: “We’d like to thank Katie for choosing to support us and for the extraordinary amount of effort she has put into her fundraising, from making and selling her crochet creations to taking on a 100km challenge.
“Her dad’s experience shows just how important good cardiac care is and we’re pleased that his recovery has gone so well. The money Katie has raised will help us continue improving the lives of heart patients and supporting cardiac services across Sussex.
“We’d also like to thank Katie’s colleagues and everyone who has supported her fundraising.”
Donations can be made through Katie’s JustGiving page.
Published: 07/09/26
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Katie Field, from Crawley, stitched together two polar-opposite charity challenges to thank medical staff and paramedics who saved her dad’s life on February 26.
Every night for a month, Katie made crochet keyrings, toys, flowers and blankets to sell to colleagues, boosting fundraising ahead of her biggest challenge – the South Coast Ultra Challenge on Saturday (5 September). She trekked 100km for just over 21hours from Polegate, over Seven Sisters, along the coast, then inland to the finish at Arundel Football Club.
The two challenges raised £396 for The Sussex Heart Charity, which her employer UK Power Networks will match up to £100, to thank staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and South East Coast Ambulance Service for excellent care that enabled her dad to make a near-complete recovery from a heart attack.
Katie said: “I wanted to do something positive after my dad’s heart attack and the incredible care he received. The emergency services and cardiology teams were amazing, and I had to do something to say thank you. Since then, my dad has made a great recovery.
“I have thrown myself into training during the hottest summer ever with a series of demanding long-distance events including a 10km, half marathon, 20-mile Royal Ramble, 48km South Coast walk and 78km Downs Link challenge, ahead of my first 100km ultra marathon.
“The 100k ultra challenge was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but knowing every step helped a brilliant cause kept me going. The Sussex Heart Charity changes lives and supports families through some of their most difficult moments, so it meant a lot to support their work.
“Colleagues loved my crochet and were incredibly generous with their donations, so I made more than expected and I’m still receiving donations now. I’m grateful for every one of them.”
Katie is already signed up for her second ultra marathon on October 18 – the Crawley Ultra.
Matt Denison, chief executive of Sussex Heart Charity, said: “We’d like to thank Katie for choosing to support us and for the extraordinary amount of effort she has put into her fundraising, from making and selling her crochet creations to taking on a 100km challenge.
“Her dad’s experience shows just how important good cardiac care is and we’re pleased that his recovery has gone so well. The money Katie has raised will help us continue improving the lives of heart patients and supporting cardiac services across Sussex.
“We’d also like to thank Katie’s colleagues and everyone who has supported her fundraising.”
Donations can be made through Katie’s JustGiving page.
Published: 07/09/26
Back to news