IT will be one of the biggest challenges of her life as she joins thousands of other runners for the Great South Run.

Over the years the famous race has attracted many top class athletes including the world’s greatest long distance runner Mo Farah.

And the memory of her “wonderful dad” will spur Southampton mum-of-two Kate Budd over the finishing line.

Kate’s father, Lee Budd, who was one of Hampshire’s longest serving Scout leaders, died suddenly last year at the age of 63.

For more than 40 years Lee was a leader with the 13th Southampton (Millbrook) Sea Scouts.

He played a major role in Sea Scouting across Hampshire.

He was Assistant District Commissioner (activities) and in 2008 was awarded the Silver Wolf – one of Scouting’s highest accolades.

His death shocked the closely-knit Scouting movement.

Countless tributes poured in and Scouts from all corners of the county packed the church for his funeral.

Now Kate, a 36-year-old civil servant, is dedicating her Great South Run, which is on October 27, to her dad as well as raising funds for Wessex Heartbeat.

Kate has created a JustGiving page which has already raised £360 towards her target of at least £500.

And she says: “I’m running the Great South Run in memory of my dad who passed away last October.

“This is a real challenge for me as I am new to distance running.

“This will be an achievement but thinking of my dad will get me to the end.

He was never one to give up.

“My chosen charity is Wessex Heartbeat which helps improve cardiac care, supporting the Wessex Cardiac Centre in achieving the best for people with heart conditions.”

Last year Kate took part in the Race For Life on Southampton Common.

She has been building up for the big south coast race with training runs near her Shirley home.

And it will be an emotional moment when Kate sets off on the ten-mile race expected to attract 25,000 runners.

Memories of her dad will be with her every step of the way and she added: “He was a great dad, grandad and Scout leader.”

Kate has followed in her dad’s Scouting footsteps and is an Assistant Cub Leader with the Aldermoor based 1st Southampton Scout Group.

Southampton City District Commissioner Colin Floyd says: “Lee was a senior member in our Scout district, well respected and greatly admired.

“It is great that Kate has taken on this run in memory of her father. He would be so proud.”

You can find out more about Kate’s run by going on to her JustGiving page at http://www.just giving.

com/Kate-Budd-Running.

n The Bupa Great South Run ten-mile route takes in the iconic sites of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth Cathedral, Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory. Every year the event attracts a plethora of athletes, celebrities and runners raising money for good causes, with over £30m having been raised for charity over the years.