A fundraising evening is to be held next week in aid of Ryedale Special Families (RSF).

Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) are to host an ‘Evening with Ross McWhirter’ to top up Katherines Bray’s sponsored challenge.

Last month, Katherine, a keen runner and fitness coach set out to complete eight ultra-marathons in eight days, a total of over 250 miles, running from Fort William to Cape Wrath in Scotland.

However, on day six, after running 200 miles, Katherine was struck by injury and was advised that she could not continue the epic challenge.

Katherine has already raised over £4,000 for Ryedale Special Families but had set a target of £5,000 to beat the £4,000 she raised for the charity the previous year by running 100 miles in a day.

Katherine said: “Cape Ultra was by far the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, both physically and mentally. The ever-changing terrain was one of the hardest things to deal with and unfortunately, getting my foot caught in a hole in the heather resulted in me damaging a ligament in my knee. Still, 200miles and 15mountains in six days is pretty good going and is a first over that distance and terrain for me.”

On her return, the team behind PTCIC, of which Katherine is one of the directors, decided to stage the gig in The Black Swan Yard, Pickering, to top up her sponsorship.

Local musician, Ross McWhirter, who has won the Encore award for Most Booked Guitarist for the past two successive years, has kindly agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to play the gig for RSF.

Ross said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to play to play this event to help raise money for such a brilliant cause. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of locals there to support it.”

Phil Hall, landlord of the Black Swan said: “We are very proud of Katherine’s formidable efforts and would like to thank Ross for his generosity in giving up his time to play this gig. We are hoping for a big turn-out to raise as much money as we can for Ryedale Special Families.”

‘An Evening with Ross McWhirter’ will take place on Tuesday, June 20 in The Black Swan Yard in Pickering. A barbecue will be available and a raffle will be held. Entry on the door is a donation to Ryedale Special Families. All proceeds from the event will go to the charity.

Katherine’s Justgiving page can be found at: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/katherine-brayultra