Bendurance Triple Challenge

My fabulous son, Ben, died in April 2020 aged just 16. He struggled with his mental health from a young age and, despite being highly intelligent, he couldn't access a proper education. He self-medicated and became addicted to drugs and an easy target for County Lines gangs. The Home Office designated him "a victim of modern slavery" shortly before his death. We tried so hard to get help but he fell through all the gaps. We want to raise money to ensure that future children get the help that they need. We never want another family to go through this.

Despite his struggles, Ben's wonderful personality shone through. He was fascinated by everything, great fun and a natural performer, adventurous, creative, loving and loyal. We want to create a legacy that reflects our fantastic boy and the terrible hole he has left in our lives.

Bendurance Fundraiser:

I plan to run/walk 100 miles for Ben's Birthday

Do the Paras 10 before his inquest

Attempt the 200 mile Tunnel Ultra before his 3rd Anniversary.

Funds will be split equally between:

Young Minds

PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitatiin)

Inquest.org

I have attempted 100 miles in 24 hours on 3 occasions and never got past 85...and that was when I was fit! I am currently an achy mess and struggle to run 10k. So this time there will be no 24 hour cut off. I will start on Ben's Birthday, 15th July, and stop when I have gone 100 miles.

Addiction, mental health problems, and grief involve a great deal of just putting one foot in front of the other and so that is what I will do.

The Paras 10 at Catterick is 10 miles rough terrain in army boots carrying a 35lb pack. Addiction, poor mental health, and grief are a heavy burden and this challenge reflects what people carry through their lives on a daily basis.

The 200 mile Tunnel Ultra is, frankly, a ridiculous event. It is 1 mile through the Combe Down Tunnel and you attempt to do this 200 times in 55 hours. Only 1 woman has ever completed this and she is an absolute legend. Due to cut off times, it is unlikely I will achieve this one but slogging towards the light only to find yourself alone again in the dark feels heartbreakingly like the daily struggle Ben lived with. His head was a deeply unhappy and frightening place to be. I want to honour his struggle and his exceptional bravery by making this attempt.

Please support in any way you can

Kate, Ben's mum