University of East London Homepage

He did it! UEL student completes backward marathon.  

Monday 18 April 2011

Teachers

University of East London PGCE student, Karl Twomey, has succeeded in his bid to run backwards for the entire distance of this year’s London Marathon,raisingmore than £4,000 for Cancer Research UKin doing so.

In Sunday’s gruelling race around 26 miles of the capital’s streets, Karl endured Sunday’s unusually warm temperatures to finish the race in just under four and a half hours. Karl was joined by two team members, who were also running backwards, and managed to raise an additional £6,000.

Speaking after his gutsy performance, Karl said: “The race was really tough going and I certainly knew about it when I work up this morning. I’m just delighted to have completed the London Marathon – especially backwards – and to have taken part in such a fabulous occasion.

“Most importantly, it’s great to know that we have done something to raise awareness of the groundbreaking work which Cancer Research UK performs every day. Having lost my own father to cancer last year, I’m only too familiar with the tragic impact this illness can have on people’s lives. While this was an extremely tough race and one that has taken its toll on my body, it doesn’t come anywhere near to the pain and suffering cancer patients and their families have to cope with.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the people who have kindly supported us in our bid to run the London Marathon backwards. Thanks to their generosity, we have raised nearly £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, which will be put to good use and help those whose lives are affected by cancer.”

Karl’s official time in Sunday’s 2011 London Marathon was 4:27:28.

For further information click here

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

Information for screenreader users:

For a general description of these pages and an explanation of how they should work with screenreading equipment please follow this link: Link to general description

For further information on this web site’s accessibility features please follow this link: Link to accessibility information