An inspiring resident from Berkhamsted will run 50km every month for six months to raise money for a cancer charity, after his mum and sister were both diagnosed with the disease.
Ben Rolfe is hoping to complete the mammoth task of running the Hundred Hills 50km, Chiltern Ridge Winter 50k, Milton Keynes Marathon and 5k, and then an extra marathon in June, finishing with the 100k non-stop Race to the Stones in July.
He has raised £1,495 for Cancer Research UK so far, with an extra £500 secured in pledges.
Ben’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and it sadly returned before Christmas 2024. His sister is also undergoing treatment for the disease.
Ben has already run the North Downs Ridge 50k on Sunday, February 23, completing the cold, wet and muddy run in seven hours and 49 minutes.
Speaking about his incredible fundraising effort, Ben told BERKHAMSTEDnews: “My sister’s just finished chemotherapy; it [the challenge] is nothing compared to what she’s been through.
“I’ve done marathons before, so each race is training for the next one. The running is massive therapy for me; I’ve really enjoyed it this year. It keeps me sane to be honest.”
Despite his amazing efforts to raise money and support his mum and sister while they undergo treatment, Ben admitted he feels “helpless” at times during their cancer journeys.
He knows that to complete his goal and raise an incredible total for charity, looking after his body will be vital.
He said: “I’ll need to be giving the body enough time to recover, and not go too hard on each event.”
On his fundraising page, Ben said: “Cancer Research UK is one of the leading charities funding lifesaving research and technology that can help cure cancers and provide technology to detect them before they become an issue.
“Your donation will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
To donate, visit www.shorturl.at/D479W
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