First time marathon runner, Karen Coxall is celebrating her 60th birthday by taking on the London Marathon! While the year marks a big milestone, Karen’s real focus is running in support of her dear friend Kayte, who was diagnosed with non-small cell adenocarcinoma stage 4 lung cancer.
“I’m a qualified yoga teacher, regular spin, circuit training and Pilates class attendee, but this is my first marathon and it’s for a cause close to my heart.
My dear friend Kayte was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in May 2022, and I’m doing it for her and all those going through something similar.”
Kayte’s diagnosis
Reflecting on her diagnosis, Kayte said: “My diagnosis was a terrible shock and incredibly frightening, the prospect that I may die, hearing the words “treatable, but not curable” was one of the most terrifying sentences I have ever heard. It all felt so surreal.
It took months to get over the shock. The most amazing thing is the support around me, my family, my friends and the lung team. ‘Treatable, not curable’ became ‘do-able.’
The fact is, if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. However, there is still a stigma attached and wonderful charities such as Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are helping to raise awareness and develop new treatments that could make this curable in the future.
So, if you can, dig deep and donate.”
Karen and the London Marathon
“I’m thrilled I got a place and in the same race as Sir Mo Farah – I’ll be right behind him, by about 26 miles…
I joke, but sometimes I do worry I won’t manage the new challenge. Despite being physically fit, a marathon is a gruelling distance to face but I am determined. I’m literally taking it one step at a time.
My training consists of DJ Chris Evans 119 Days to Go: How to train for and smash your first marathon. I’ve found it super helpful to regularly train and build myself up to my first marathon.
QUOTE: Running the London Marathon means the world to me, to supporting my friend and helping all those affected by lung cancer.
Show your support to Karen by giving to her Just Giving page here.
