A GLOUCESTERSHIRE engineer is taking on the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for homelessness charity Shelter.

Katriya Ruxton, an Engineering Specialist at National Grid Electricity Distribution, is part of a large cohort of National Grid employees braving the challenge, which takes place on Sunday, April 27.

Katriya is running in memory of her late mother, who faced homelessness before passing 18 years ago. She was prompted to take on the challenge as she reaches 40 this year.

Katriya said: “2024 was a year of many revelations, and running and yoga became part of my recovery, doing wonders for mental health.

“I wanted to do something remarkable, something that would challenge me. The opportunity to run in memory of her and for a cause that would likely have saved her gives me so many reasons to get over the finish line.”

Katriya has already raised nearly £1400, with a goal of raising £2000 for the charity. National Grid said it will match the funds that she and other colleagues raise up to £2000.

She will be joined by nine colleagues from National Grid who have been supporting each other with hints and tips for training and nutrition. The team also has a dedicated contact at Shelter who has provided advice on training, fundraising and how to cope with injuries.

Katriya has the goal of finishing the marathon in an impressive time. She said: “My only hope for the day is to cross the finish line before the sun goes down! But really, I’m aiming for 4 hours and 30 minutes, and so far, the training is going really well!”

If you want to help Katriya on her journey, find out more details or if you are hoping to, donate, you can do so by visiting her fundraising page on JustGiving.