Kate was 44 years of age and fit as a fiddle. She'd made me say yes to walking the 100 mile high altitude Tour de Mont Blanc trail with her but unexpectedly and tragically died last November.  I've decided I'm still going to do it in her memory but I'm older, fatter and much less fitter!  Kate was an amazing woman who packed so much into her life and was a true inspiration to many.  She was a passionate advocate for bat conservation and after completing her PhD, which led to the discovery of two species of pipistrelle  bat within the UK, she worked for many years at the Bat Conservation Trust.   Kate was also an avid explorer and adventurer as well as being modest with it.  I knew Kate has studied penguins during her time with the British Antarctic Survey but she had neglected to say she was Base Commander and was the first woman to ever over-winter there.  She also had a love of exploring jungles, riding red motorbikes, Telemark skiing and her loyal 4-legged friend, Laika.  With the support of her parents, a new fund is being set up in her memory.  The Kate Barlow Award will enable budding conservationists to follow in Kate's footsteps and make a real difference to bat conservation as part of their post graduate studies.  All money raised from this page will go directly to this restricted fund.  More information will be available on the BCT website (www.bats.org.uk) as the fund is developed.  Kate's parents have generously donated a sum of money towards this fund but additional funds are required to keep this award running in the long term. Thank you so much for your donations and for your support.