On Sunday 26 April, one of our own will stand on the start line of the London Marathon – not just chasing a personal milestone but running for something much bigger. Ben is taking on his first ever marathon in support of YMCA Fairthorne Group.
From Half Marathon to 26.2 Miles
Ben has always enjoyed running, but before this training cycle the furthest he had ever gone was a half marathon. Signing up for London was about pushing himself further.
“I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and improve my fitness. I know I’ll feel a massive sense of achievement when I cross that finish line.”
He’s working through a structured 16-week training plan – running three times a week alongside strength training and long dog walks. His longest run will hit 34km before he tapers down ahead of race day.
Training hasn’t been without its challenges.
“The weather has been the toughest part – cold, dark and wet runs for most of this year. I’m hoping we have a dry Spring!”
There have been lifestyle adjustments too – refining nutrition, learning how to fuel properly during long runs, and even cutting back on that extra weekend glass of wine.
Mentally, Sundays are protected as rest and reset days. Space to recover. Space to refocus.
And every training run starts with the same song: Feel Invincible by Skillet – because sometimes you need a reminder that you can do hard things.
Why YMCA?
Choosing YMCA Fairthorne as his charity felt natural.
“I see firsthand the effort, passion and dedication that colleagues put into helping young people have the best start in life – whether in our nurseries, supported housing or holiday programmes. This is my opportunity to give something back.”
Ben hopes his fundraising will contribute towards:
- Safe accommodation for young people facing homelessness
- Early years education across our local communities
The encouragement from colleagues has been a huge motivator.
“The belief and support from my team has been incredible. They’re probably bored of hearing how far I ran this weekend – but they always stop and listen.”
More Than a Medal
What he’s looking forward to most isn’t just finishing.
“The preparation for a marathon is much more intense than I thought – what to wear, what to drink, what to eat, where to run. So that feeling of accomplishment at the end is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime.”
Three words that sum it up?
Determined. Excited. Proud.
When training gets tough, he reminds himself why he’s doing it – and the people who have supported him along the way.
How You Can Support
Every donation makes a difference. Every message fuels another mile.
If you’d like to support Ben:
- Donate if you’re able
- Leave a message of encouragement
- Follow his journey as race day approaches
As Ben says:
“Find something you enjoy doing, set yourself a target and share your journey.”
Ben, we are proud to be cheering you on.
This run is about more than a medal.
It’s about turning personal challenge into collective impact.
It’s about backing young people to have a safe place to belong and the best possible start in life.
It’s about showing what happens when we channel our energy into something bigger than ourselves.
On 26 April, when Ben steps onto that start line, he represents all of us.
And when he crosses the finish line – tired, proud and accomplished – it won’t just mark the end of a race.
It will be proof of what belief, community and determination can achieve together.
