Despite a tremendous struggle halfway through, Kev Flaherty found the strength to complete the race by thinking of the battles his brother Dave endured and it drove him to the finish line, raising £2,080 for charity.
He fundraised for Mesothelioma UK and took part in the gruelling 26.2-mile race in London on Sunday 27 April after falling in love with running by completing the couch to 5k programme.
Kev is a Bank Support Worker at Beeches, a 12-bed specialist residential service in Retford for adults with autism and learning disabilities who may also present with behaviours that challenge, run by Cygnet Social Care.
His choice to fundraise for Mesothelioma UK came after the passing of Dave from mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Kev said: “My brother passed away in 2023 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021 and was given six months to live. He fought on for over two years and Mesothelioma UK helped him and his partner through this tough time with advice and support.
“I ran the marathon to raise money for this amazing charity. At mile 14, an old injury hit me and I was unable to run any further. By mile 18, it was incredibly painful to even walk. I was tempted to pull out.
“Then I thought about my brother and the fight he had put up during his battle with mesothelioma. I thought there was no way I could quit then. I didn’t want to let people down who had generously donated to the charity.”
Mesothelioma UK helps by improving the lives of those living with the terminal cancer and helping to prevent future cases. The charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by mesothelioma through expert care, information and advocacy whilst also helping to advance research.
As well as his injury during the race, preparing for the London Marathon was also a challenge for Kev.
He said: “I had just started running when Dave passed and I enjoyed doing Couch to 5K. I watched the marathon in 2024 and mentioned to my partner I’d like to take part. She secretly put me in the ballot and that’s how I found out I’d be running it so I started a five month training plan. This was a struggle in the winter, it didn’t go to plan as I had a stag do, a family bereavement and an injury.”
“When I finished the race, I decided that anyone who does marathons for fun must be crazy as it was so painful. Reflecting on it the next day, I was so proud of finishing the Marathon in memory of my brother. Everyone at Beeches kept congratulating me, so that’s when it really hit home – people were proud.
“I was disappointed with my time though so I’ve entered the ballot for next year where I hope to remain injury free and do better. But for now I can say I completed the London Marathon for a great cause.”