One of the founding Partners of Focus Consultants will be pounding the streets of the capital on Sunday (22nd April) when he takes part in the London Marathon.
Despite having six knee operations over the past 15 years – including two total knee reconstructions – Kevin Osbon is aiming to conquer more than 26 miles and raise over £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“As a teenager, I had a mole on the back of my leg which had to be cut out,” said Kevin. “I spent three weeks on an adult cancer ward, because the children’s cancer ward was full. At the time, I was told I wouldn’t be able to run but fortunately I’ve been able to lead a full sporting life. Thankfully I was lucky, and the mole proved to be benign, but like many families, we have been affected by cancer – losing a brother, grandparents, parents and uncles.
“I have five children, four of them are teenagers, and like any parents we worry about them. Cancer is indiscriminate and affects us all, but affecting or taking the life of a young person yet unlived is something we need to stop, hence the reason why I am running to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Kevin, who lives in Fiskerton, has faced an uphill struggle during his training – battling snow, ice, gales and rain. Last month, his ‘practice’ half-marathon – the Reading Half Marathon – was cancelled due to several inches of snow, and he has had to have two cortisone injections in his knees to keep him running.
Sunday’s event, which attracts 40,000 runners from around the world, will be his first full marathon.
“Despite the setbacks, I have run up to 20 miles now in a training session and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to carry on and complete the full marathon of 26 miles and 285 yards,” added Kevin.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Focus Consultants, which is based in Phoenix Park, Nottingham, and also has offices in London, Leicester and Boston in Lincolnshire, has sponsored Kevin, along with many of his colleagues, and he’s now less than £400 from his £2,000 target.
To add a donation, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Kevin599ce7a72edea
Kevin co-founded Focus Consultants in 1994. The company has expertise in a wide range of fields, including project management, funding and economic development, funding applications, economic impact appraisals, business plans, and research and evaluation. Since 1994, Focus has also secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.
In addition, Focus offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, project management and sustainable development support.
For more information about Focus Consultants, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk.