Ben's story
Could you run 2,853 miles across the UK? Our amazing fundraiser Ben is taking on this unique challenge to say thanks to Macmillan for supporting him and his family during his and his sister Charmian’s cancer experience.
Ben's cancer experience
In 2019, Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma. He received radiotherapy and surgery to treat his cancer, and 18 months after being diagnosed he was told he was cancer free.
During his treatment, Ben’s sister Charmian was diagnosed with breast cancer, six months after his diagnosis.
Ben, Charmian and their family were supported by Macmillan in different ways during this difficult time.
“It can often be difficult to speak to the medical team when you have questions or concerns,” Charmian says. “So, the hotline at the hospital that connects you to the Macmillan nurses was a life saver.”
“The Macmillan nurses have so much tenacity, they made it a priority to get us answers and acted as a bridge between our family and the medical team.”
Unfortunately, during treatment Ben experienced challenging side effects.
Ben said: “I was in a lot of pain. During their first home visit, my Macmillan nurse noticed this and was immediately on the phone with a local doctor. She was able to sort out a prescription for pain medicine. Just that small intervention made a big difference and led me to be pain free for the first time in months.”
During this time, Charmian made the decision to stop treatment. She says: “Macmillan were so helpful when I was considering ending my chemotherapy. They talked through my decision with me and helped me understand my options. It can be difficult when you make a decision, as the patient, that goes against the recommendations of your oncology team, but chemotherapy was affecting my quality of life. Having that support from Macmillan, at such a difficult time, helped me to be more confident in my decision.”
Alongside the support Ben got from Macmillan nurses at home and in hospital, Ben also received psychological support from Macmillan.
“I was in a place where I was closed off emotionally,” said Ben. “Through their help and unbelievable compassion, I was able to understand my emotions and finally release all that I was carrying inside.”
Fundraising for Macmillan
“Macmillan was a constant source of strength, and I wanted to give back, but did not want to do an organised challenged. So, I planned to run from Los Angeles to New York City – 2,853 miles - to raise funds for Macmillan,” says Ben.
Ben spent 8 months preparing for the trip and even secured 7 sponsors for his fundraising challenge. Unfortunately, due to a medical issue, Ben’s doctors told him he couldn’t travel.
“I was devastated,” he added. “I had invested so much physically, mentally and financially preparing for the trip. But I wasn’t going to let this stop me and I am now aiming to complete the equivalent miles in the UK.”
In March and April, Ben ran the Southwest Coast path from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset in 35 days (excluding injury and illness) – an amazing 650 mile journey!
When asked why Ben chose running for his challenge, he says: “I was more of a casual runner before taking on this challenge. Running gives me a sense of freedom – it is like a washing machine for my mind. The more I run, the more my body has adapted. Which is an incredible feat after what has happened to me. I feel a sense of freedom when running as it helps my body to process and adapt.”
Throughout the first part of his challenge, Ben’s family supported him in different ways. This included helping Ben to find accommodation at the end of a challenging running day and by sharing his journey on social media.
“Ben has never done anything like this before,” Charmian says. “We used to say ‘when Ben goes, he goes via Bristol’ because he is always getting lost. So, when he told us about his plans, we were all really surprised.
“However, when he sets his mind to something, he is 100% committed. I think it’s a real test of his resourcefulness.”
When asked what some of the highlights from his Southwest Coast path run were, Ben says: “Before this challenge, I think I was quite cynical and suspicious of strangers. However, this challenge opened my mind to the kindness of strangers. People are inherently good and want to help.
“On more than one occasion during my challenge, people extended a hand of generosity like offering me a place to stay during bad weather or listening to my story and donating.”
Now that Ben has completed this first run, he has many more planned for the year including other famous routes such as the Cotswold Way, Pembrokeshire Coast Path and South Downs Way.
He is hoping to complete all his challenges by the end of 2025 and raise £10,000 for Macmillan.
“Throughout both our experiences, Macmillan were an unforgettable, constant source of strength and support whenever called upon,” Ben says. “The support we got as a family is really the glue that held us together. With this challenge, I hope that I can pay it back and make a difference.”
Find out more
To follow along Ben’s journey, he is sharing daily updates on Instagram @benrunsamerica or visit his JustGiving page.
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