Felixstowe’s Jack Carpenter, former Team GB athlete and obstacle course racing coach, is urging people across the UK to sign up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life after being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.
At just 36, Carpenter has lived a life defined by stamina and sheer grit—qualities now being tested like never before. A five-time GB representative in European and World Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) events and a father of two, Jack’s world turned upside down last September when he was diagnosed with grade three astrocytoma—an aggressive, incurable form of brain cancer.
“Never in a million years would I have imagined I would be affected by cancer,” Jack said. “It just shows how vulnerable we all are.”
Jack is now backing Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, not only to raise vital funds but to shine a floodlight on the fragility of health—even among the fittest.
“This is a great event to run in while also raising funds for vital research,” he said. “I’m trying to stay fit and healthy and get through my cancer treatment.”
Since revealing his diagnosis, support has poured in from the OCR and wider sporting community. Tommy Matthews, British OCR 100m record holder, said: “Jack is well known and respected in the sport. He’s pushing through treatment and keeping active—he’s as tough as they come.”
OCR World Championship medallist Gavin Hogarth echoed the sentiment: “Jack’s a real fighter. My heart goes out to him, and I wish him well.”
Jack’s strength in the face of such adversity has become a beacon within the fitness world. His Instagram page, @jcrushingcancer, documents both his journey and determination to keep moving forward—even as he undergoes chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“The tumours can be treated with radiation and chemotherapy, but this treatment is likely to just stop the tumours from growing, not cure them,” he said. “On average, patients with this type of cancer survive three to five years after diagnosis.”
He first realised something was wrong when he couldn’t turn a key in a door. What seemed like a trapped nerve turned out to be something far more sinister. “They found three tumours in my head,” he said. “I had no headaches or seizures—just sudden paralysis in my hand. The diagnosis came completely out of the blue.”
Despite the grim outlook, Jack’s mentality remains defiantly upbeat. “My latest scan came back as stable—two of the tumours are gone. My counsellor says my mindset is like a race, and I’ve always loved challenges. Who knows what the future holds? No one is going to tell me.”
Former OCR World Champion and British Obstacle Sports President James Burton added: “Jack has been a pillar of the British OCR community. His diagnosis is a stark reminder of life’s fragility, but his strength and resilience inspire us all.”
Jack is set to take part in Race for Life Ipswich on Sunday, June 15, at Trinity Park, where he’ll lace up his trainers not just for himself, but for the millions affected by cancer.
“The sporting world is such an empowering community,” he said. “We may be fierce competitors during a race, but off the track there’s real bonding. It’s lovely to hear such positive messages.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Standard Life (part of Phoenix Group), is a nationwide series of 3k, 5k, 10k, and Pretty Muddy events for all ages and fitness levels. The campaign has raised millions for research that’s doubled survival rates in the UK over the past 50 years.
Patrick Keely, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK in the East of England, said: “We are grateful to Jack for his support and know his story will make an impact. Sadly, nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.”
The message is clear: Race for Life is more than a run—it’s a stand against a disease that touches every family. And if Jack Carpenter, mid-treatment and still pounding the pavement, can keep going, what’s stopping the rest of us?
As Andy Curran, CEO of Standard Life, said: “By raising funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
To sign up for an event near you, visit raceforlife.org.
