Q: Ipad 2nd gen, updating

Hello there, wdearnshaw!

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like you are having an issue with the iPad restarting constantly. I know how important it is to be sure the iPad is working properly at all times! Check out this article that has steps for If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won‘t turn on. Since the iPad is not fully starting up and is restarting itself, you might want to specifically check out this section:

If your device turns on but gets stuck during start up

You might see the Apple logo or a red or blue screen for a long time during start up. Try these steps:

1. Connect your device to a computer and open iTunes. If you don't have a computer, you can borrow one, or go to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for help. 
2. While your device is connected, force it to restart. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. Don't release when you see the Apple logo. Keep holding until you see the Recovery mode screen.
   
3. When you get the option to restore or update, choose Update. iTunes will try to reinstall iOS without erasing your data.
   

iTunes will download the software for your device. If it takes more than 15 minutes, your device will exit recovery mode and you'll need to repeat steps 2 and 3 again.

This step will erase all the content on the iPad and reinstall the operating system, so you will need to redownload past purchases from the App Store and iTunes by following these steps: Download your past purchases or if you have a backup, you can check out these steps: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup

Cheers!