A PARKSTONE woman who lost her friend to postpartum psychosis three years ago is swimming 40 miles in 40 days in her memory.

Katherine Kay, 39, a writer from Parkstone, is over halfway through her gruelling challenge, which is memory of her friend Amy and in aid of Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) and Winston's Wish.

Amy died during a postpartum psychotic episode just five days after giving birth to her second son.

Katherine and Amy met through a mutual friend at university aged 18 and remained firm friends since that day.

To honour Amy's memory and to raise funds for two important charities, Katherine set herself this challenge.

She said: "I started the 40 Miles in 40 Days sea swim challenge on May 17 and will be finishing it on June 25, which would have been Amy's 40th birthday.

"This challenge is a way to celebrate her and her life. I wanted to mark the occasion and do it in her memory."

Katherine has been swimming along Branksome beach, as well as in Osmington Mills, for the duration of her challenge.

She has already raised a staggering amount of money which surpassed her expectations.

Katherine said: "I have been absolutely blown away with what I have raised so far. With Gift Aid, it’s about £6,000.

"'It would be amazing to reach £10,000."

"People have been really generous. Everyone who met Amy loved her, so the amount is a testament to how loved she was.

"I'm doing this to honour Amy’s memory and to raise money for the two charities that helped Amy’s family after she died.

"It’s also to raise awareness of the charities. Amy needed help, which she got, but not as much as she needed. If the charities can help someone who is in a similar position to Amy, then that’s the main reason to do this challenge."

Katherine is on target to reach 40 miles by June 25 and has, so far, completed 29 miles.

To support Katherine, visit https://tinyurl.com/9tucxtcw or search 'Katherine Kay' on virginmoneygiving.com