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A woman who has raised £20,000 for Kidney Research UK is gearing-up to host her final doughnut eating fun run for the charity.

Katie Taylor from Colchester held her first Doughnut Dash five years ago when her husband, Rhys, was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy.

Katie Taylor, doughnut dash

Mrs Taylor said: “I knew very little about kidney disease and was really shocked about the lack of treatments and that ultimately there was no cure available. It then became apparent that actually very few people knew anything about kidney disease and how totally devastating it can be. I decided I wanted to do something fun and a bit different to raise awareness and funds for Kidney Research UK and so the Doughnut Dash was born.

“While it will be a bit sad not doing the Doughnut Dash anymore, I feel really proud of what I've achieved and how I've done my little bit to help. So far, the Dash has raised nearly £20k for the charity; I'm hoping that this year's will take us closer to the £25k mark and it can end on a real high.”

Mrs Taylor has decided to stop running the event due to the pressures of family and work but hopes the Doughnut Dash on 10 September will prove to be her most successful to date.

Competitors will run 5k, stopping to consume a whole ring doughnut at every kilometre and each doughnut has to be eaten before continuing, which means there will be no eating while running.

On completion of each doughnut, the runners are given a sticker and must get five to be awarded a Doughnut Dash medal.

The event is open to everyone and costs £16 to register. There will also be mini races for children of all ages to take part in and will cost £5.

This year's dash takes place in the beautiful grounds of Colchester Castle Sunday 10 September from 11.30am.

Free parking will be available in the field accessed via Catchpool Road, which is off Cowdray Avenue.

You can support Katie on her Just Giving page.