Kev’s Story: Celebrating 40yrs cancer-free by running half marathon in wellies

Kev is celebrating being 40 years cancer free after he was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager. To mark this milestone he’s putting himself through his paces, training to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in his wellies for Young Lives vs Cancer.

At just 15 years old, Kev was diagnosed with cancer. Following his diagnosis in October 1984, he attended the old St Michael’s Children’s hospital to start Chemotherapy, which continued until the end of 1985. His treatment also involved six Lumbar Punctures, two Endoscopies & one Colonoscopy.

Kev has gone on to have an enriching life, both personally and professionally. He has complete an incredible 17 challenges for Young Lives vs Cancer (including 10 challenges in one year!).

In 2018 he started his own Welly boot brand with his son, and in April will be putting himself through his paces and running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in his wellies to raise vital funds and awareness for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Kev said: “I thought ‘why not run in our wellies?’! Others have run the London Marathon in them, so let’s have a go. I have done some other great events and try to keep fit, and with the London Landmarks Half Marathon you get to see all the landmarks around London and really enjoy the whole event. I’ve always been totally supported by my wonderful wife Kendra. She has been one of the main reasons, right from when we found out that at age 20 I potentially could not have children that I have continued to fundraise for Young Lives vs Cancer. She has been totally supportive, and we have gone onto have our first grandchild Elora.

“Being able to take part in these events makes me realise just how fortunate I am to be a cancer survivor, as I know a couple of friends and family that were not. To have two fantastic children and a beautiful granddaughter 40 years after my cancer treatment – what more do you need to be inspired!

“I want to raise as much money as possible because cancer really turns families’ lives upside down and I want Young Lives vs Cancer to be there to support everyone who needs it.”