Ben Dobson’s charity run for Macmillan

Karen Neville

Wormley runner shares his highly personal reason for running 2,853 miles

In December 2019 I was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour in the right side of my face. In 2020, my sibling was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

Thankfully, 18 months later, after radiotherapy and two, lengthy surgical procedures, I was given the all clear. Unfortunately, the treatment left me with life-changing injuries including severe trismus (lockjaw), making simple tasks like eating, challenging. Throughout both our illnesses, and subsequent recoveries, Macmillan was an unforgettable, constant source of strength and support whenever called upon. 

To say thank you I had planned to take on a roughly 3,000 mile solo run on March 1st from Los Angeles to New York pushing my equipment and supplies in a modified stroller.  

Sadly, after eight months of dedicated planning and training on January 8th I suffered a medical emergency which has left me unable to travel abroad. Needless to say, I’m devastated. Despite this set-back, I still fully intend to cover the same mileage for Macmillan, but here in the UK. So on March 1st, I will start the 2,853 mile challenge in Minehead, running the 630 mile south west coastal path, which will take around 30 days. After that, probably the South Downs Way and then other routes until the mileage has been achieved. I’m hoping to complete the challenge in around five to six months, all going well.