Every year, Ben from Deeping St James, takes on a challenge to raise money for Magpas Air Ambulance, in memory of his son, Harry. This year, he’s attempting to get a world record too!
Harry sadly passed away suddenly on 22nd December 2019. Magpas Air Ambulance was called to help, and although they couldn’t save Harry, the medical team did everything they could to care for him in his moment of need and stayed by his side until the end. The care the Magpas Air Ambulance team provided did allow time for Harry’s family to be with him at the time, which Ben is eternally grateful for.
Ben explains, “Harry was an amazing big brother to Jenson and Ezra. He had an infectious smile which would light up an entire room and a good sense of humour, and was one of the kindest boys with a massive heart. Magpas Air Ambulance gave me so much that day by helping Harry. The care they gave him was amazing, and that’s why I’ve chosen to raise money for Magpas Air Ambulance ever since.”
On Harry’s birthday each year, Ben has taken on a long-distance running challenge; however, this year he’s gone one step further and is taking on a world record attempt throughout the entire month of May. Ben is in the midst of running 30 half marathons in May—10 more than the current world record—with all sponsorship going to Magpas Air Ambulance to be there for more people in need.
Ben continues, “Without Magpas Air Ambulance that day, myself, Jenson, Ezra and all of Harry's family would not have been able to say their final goodbyes—and for that, I owe them everything.
“Magpas Air Ambulance is amazing and the charity has been supporting us ever since. That’s why I’m taking on my biggest challenge to date for the service—in the month that would have been Harry’s 12th birthday. So far, it’s going really well. My body is coping well with all the miles I’m clocking up and I’m now over halfway through!”
He and his sons, Jenson and Ezra, even slotted in an extra 5k on the first weekend of May too as they took on the Magpas Air Ambulance Mission: Obstacle Dash together.
Ben’s strength and determination is incredible and his JustGiving page has already racked up over £1,000 in sponsorship! If you would like to support Ben’s challenge, you can sponsor him too at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/halfmayathon
