Rookie Marathoner Raises Over £7,000 for Sue Ryder Charity
Tara Kemp, 26, of South Oxfordshire will run the London Marathon this April in memory of her stepmother. She is raising funds for Sue Ryder after her stepmother, known as Di, died on Boxing Day 2023 at 47.
Remembering Di
Di worked as a piano teacher and on staff at the Oratory Prep School. She enjoyed running and had completed the Oxford Half Marathon.
She was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019 while Kemp was at university. As Di’s condition worsened, the family chose to care for her at home.
Support from Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder’s Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire supported the family. Nurses visited twice daily and assisted with personal care.
Kemp says the service offered compassionate support. It allowed the family to focus on meaningful moments together.
Why Kemp is running
Kemp describes the marathon as a way to thank the care team. She wants to help ensure similar support remains available to other families.
Training and emotions
Despite recent leg surgery, Kemp has continued training in London. Her routes include Hyde Park and the river path toward Battersea.
She reports improving pace but expects the emotions on race day to be the hardest part. Kemp expects it will be especially moving to see her father and brother on the route.
Fundraising progress
The rookie marathoner has raised nearly £7,000 toward a £7,500 target for the Sue Ryder charity. She is currently the region’s top fundraiser for the charity.
A large share of donations came from a benefit event she organised. The evening featured a live band, friends running the bar, and her father serving chips.
How to support
Supporters can donate via Kemp’s Sue Ryder fundraising page. Contributions will go to the charity that supported Di and her family.
Filmogaz.com will follow Kemp’s progress and report on her marathon efforts and fundraising outcomes.
