A VOLUNTEER is raising money for a charity that supports young people with physical disabilities and health needs.

Katie Goldsmith, from Uckfield, is taking part in the Focus 10K at Borde Hill Garden in Haywards Heath on July 4.

Every penny that she raises will help support the children and young adults with complex disabilities at the Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey, Lewes.

She is being supported by charity Team Domenica, based in Preston Road, Brighton. Katie visits one of their sites three days a week.

Team Domenica helps people with learning disabilities find work and the sense of purpose that comes with it.

Entrants to the Focus 10K can choose to take part in the 10K, 5K, the children's Mini-Mile, or they can take the virtual challenge from anywhere. Katie will be running the 5K.

The 23-year-old said: "I never liked running before because I always found it too difficult. Now I am determined to complete the 5K challenge myself and prove that people with learning disabilities can play sports like everyone else.

The Argus: Katie Goldsmith is running 5k to raise money to support the children and young adults with complex disabilitiesKatie Goldsmith is running 5k to raise money to support the children and young adults with complex disabilities

"It is OK to face your fears and to do something challenging. I have heard a lot of good things about the Chailey Heritage Foundation, and I want to help those in need.

My godfather, Steve Primrose, and both my nan and mum used to work there, so I have heard what good work goes on."

Katie, who has learning disabilities, has been helped by Team Domenica and now volunteers at the Brighton i360. She has also volunteered at The Grand in Kings Road and Hobbycraft in Pavillion Retail Park, Brighton.

Katie's mother, Jan Goldsmith, said: "She used to hate running. Because of her autism and sensory issues, she finds getting hot and sweaty very disconcerting and uncomfortable.

"She found the incentive to run while on her second attempt using the Couch to 5K app, and she completed most of the course on her own, with a little help plotting the routes.

"She now wanted to challenge herself more and wants to run for charity in an organised event.

"The 5K will be a real challenge, but Katie is determined to complete the course. We are using it as a warm-up for the Brighton 10K later in the year and to get Katie used to how organised events work."

The 10K Katie is planning to run next is for Team Domenica as she wants to give something back to the charity that has helped her.