Harriet's Story: Running the Ipswich Half Marathon for her Brother and Son
11 July 2025
Harriet is running this year's Ipswich Half Marathon after she started running with her brother in 2024 following his diagnosis of a stage 3 brain tumour last August.
Although the family was devastated by the news, he faced it with incredible courage. Not long after his diagnosis, he asked Harriet to join him at the Felixstowe park run, although she had never been a runner.
"That first Saturday morning, we ran side by side, and I've been back every Saturday since."
Although he was undergoing gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he continued to join Harriet is running whenever he could.
"Seeing him turn up week after week - even on his hardest days - inspired me more than I can say. Watching his determination to keep moving, keep fighting, and keep smiling made me realise how much we can all achieve when we put our hearts into it."
His determination is what pushed Harriet to enter the Ipswich Half Marathon.
"Every step I run will be for him, and for everyone else battling something unseen."
However, this is not the only tragedy that the family has endured. Earlier this year, Harriet's five-year-old son was sadly diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Proggresiva (FOP). FOP is an incredibly rare and cruel genetic condition, affecting around 1 in 2 million people, that turns muscle and connective tissue into bone, severely limiting movement.
Therefore, Harriet is raising money for two causes: FOP Friends, and Harry's own GoFundMe. FOP Friends works to support families who are affected by the condition, and funds research into cures and treatments. Harriet is also raising money to make sure her son has access to equipment, adaptions, and opportunities that make his life a little easier.
"If my brother can keep running through cancer treatment, and my son can face every day with a smile despite his diagnosis, then the least I can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other for them - and for everyone fighting battles we can't see."
You can support both her son and brother by going to their GoFundMe pages seen below:
Fundraiser by Harriet Carpenter : Support Harry and his FOP diagnosis
