Oxfordshire woman tops fundraiser list for London Marathon

Tara Kemp, 26, from South Oxfordshire, is preparing to take on the London Marathon this April, in support of Sue Ryder.

She is running in memory of her stepmother Di, a former piano teacher and a staff member at the Oratory Prep School, who died on Boxing Day 2023 at the age of 47.

Ms Kemp said: “Di enjoyed running, she ran the Oxford Half Marathon, and I had always wanted to race with her.

“Taking on the London Marathon felt like the meaningful ‘go big or go home’ choice.

“I know Di would be so proud of me, although she probably wouldn’t quite believe I am actually doing this.

“Di was full of warmth, laughter and made life feel brighter.”

Di was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019 while Ms Kemp was at university.

When her health deteriorated, the family chose to care for her at home with support from Sue Ryder’s Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire.

Ms Kemp said: “Sue Ryder nurses visited twice a day and supported with the care, allowing us to focus on moments of happiness together.

“They showed her such compassion and would take time to talk to her, giving her a much-needed space to express how she was feeling as she struggled with losing her independence.”

Without their support, Ms Kemp said the family could not have kept Di at home as she wished.

She said: “This marathon is my way of showing gratitude and helping to ensure they can continue supporting families facing similar challenges.”

Despite recent leg surgery, her training is progressing well.

Ms Kemp added: “I’m working in London currently, so I have been able to run around Hyde Park, along the river to Battersea and I can feel my pace improving too.

“I’m starting to get a bit scared about race day, but not because of the physical side of things, more the emotions.

“I think the reason why I am doing this is going to hit me hard, especially when I see my dad and brother along the route.”

She has raised nearly £7,000 of her £7,500 target, making her the top fundraiser for Sue Ryder in the region so far.

A significant portion of the funds came from a fundraising event she organised, which included a live band, a team of friends running the bar and her father serving chips.

Supporters can contribute to her campaign at Tara Kemp is fundraising for Sue Ryder.