HE writes the news, now he’s making the news! Melksham News’ very own roving reporter, Ben Fenlon, will be hitting the streets of Newcastle next month to raise money for charity in the Great North Run.
With a target of raising £750 for the Alzheimer’s Society, Ben is pounding the streets of Melksham, training hard, as he looks to run the half-marathon distance across Newcastle in 90 minutes.
Ben is a keen runner, who has participated in half-marathons before and shows off his competitive side at Melksham parkrun, but will be attempting the Great North Run for the first time.
Ben told Melksham News, “The Alzheimer’s Society is a cause close to my heart, and my family’s, as my mum, June, was diagnosed with the disease in 2012.
“I moved back to Melksham last year to help support my dad who cares for her, and watching her deteriorate over the years has been hard to see – but every now and then we still see flashes of the strong, stubborn, fun-loving, often cheeky woman we all remember her to be.
“The support from the community has been great – it amazes me how many people in Melksham know her and ask after her – she is one popular lady!
“Training is going well -apart from a rat attack along the canal near Bowerhill – and I’ve set myself a slightly ambitious target of completing the half-marathon in 90 minutes – and now that’s in writing I’ll have to step up to the plate and deliver!”
To support Ben and help him achieve his fundraising target, you can donate to his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/benfenlon
