The 2012 Virgin London Marathon
My story
My mum died of cancer two years ago having twice beaten this dreadful illness. She was a real fighter, nothing fazed her, and she continued to live her life to the full up until her untimely death.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and underwent a course of Radiotheropy treatment, which proved to be successful.
Cancer returned in 2002, this time in her lung, we were all fearing the worst having been told that this was inoperable due to the size of the tumour. My mum was not accepting this, typical of her fighting spirit, and went through a course of Chemotheropy treatment for several weeks in order to shrink the tumour. This did the trick and a successful operation followed enabling my mum to carry on living a normal life.
Unfortunately cancer returned for a third time in September 2009, on this occasion in her liver, it was thought that this was possible secondry cancer, however the diagnosis was not proven. Sadly my mum passed away on Boxing Day 2009. She battled on to the end, never complained, and continued to carry on as normal, she was a loving mum, and a very brave lady.
Donations no matter how large or small are greatly appreciated, thank you.
Kind regards
Kevin Carpenter
Please click here to visit Kevins fundraising page
Breaking News – Kevin Carpenter considered race favourite
The sporting world was left in shock today when Virgin London Marathon Race Director, Dave Bedford, announced the latest athlete to April’s race field.
Following the announcement and unusual betting patterns Kevin Carpenter is now the bookies favourite to win the race in April despite being classified as an outsider to most of the running press.
Click here to see the video broadcast
The 2012 London Marathon
My first ever experience of running the London Marathon was everything I expected it to be, and a whole lot more.
For me personally the build up to race day was very exciting, and collecting my race number at the London Expo with my family was a special moment.
My training was complete, the miles were in the bank, and I felt ready to take on the challenge of running the 26.2 mile course.
On race day, the atmosphere down to Greenwich from the tube station was quiet but had a sense of anticipation and excitement.
In less than ten mintues after the elite runners began the start line was in sight, and I was off and running……
Arriving at Cutty Sark was impressive, the crowds were unbelieveable……… At 1 hr 45 mins I was crossing Tower Bridge, and on schedule for possibly breaking 3 hrs 30 mins? Unfortunately I found it tough going between 18 & 22 miles, and eventually crossed the finish line in 3 hrs 45 mins!
One of many highlights was seeing my wife and son along the embankment just a mile or so from home.
Having crossed the finish line I felt very proud of my achievements. Meeting up with the Breakthrough Breast Cancer team afterwards with a welcome massage, shower and buffet was a great idea, and a lovely touch by the Breakthrough team. It allowed us all to chat amongst each other and experience the ups and downs that we all went through on our journey to the end.
At the time I thought never again, and now having time to reflect on what a great experience, and occassion the London Marathon is I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for a place in the ballot come 2013.
Follow me on Twitter
Like my Facebook page
Watch my videos on YouTube
Follow me on Instagram