I’ve known Ben my entire life. We grew up together, side by side, and his family became a second family to me. His parents played a huge part in my upbringing, and when I needed work years ago, they took me in without hesitation. Kevin didn’t just treat me like an apprentice—he treated me like a surrogate son. That’s the kind of family they are, and that’s why I’m writing this today.
Ben is 43 years old and has lived bravely with a pituitary tumour since his mid-20s. Thanks to treatment and medication, he was able to build a full and happy life in Mexico with his wife Sandra and their beautiful 7-year-old daughter, Alexa.
But everything changed suddenly this year.
During a visit to the UK, Ben’s health took a worrying turn. When he returned to Mexico, things worsened dramatically. On September 14th, Ben underwent an emergency craniotomy due to a severe brain bleed. He spent two weeks in intensive care and another four weeks in hospital fighting to stabilise.
On October 20th, he was finally allowed home — but only with 24-hour nursing care, intensive physiotherapy, speech therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. The road ahead is long, overwhelming, and incredibly expensive.
The good news is that after months of uncertainty and fear, Ben is finally showing signs of progress we once weren’t sure would ever come. He’s now moving his limbs, he’s mentally aware of his surroundings, and he follows movement with his eyes. These breakthroughs are thanks to the relentless therapies he’s receiving — therapies that must continue for him to have a real chance at recovery.
Ben is fighting every single day to regain strength. His family is hopeful that by Christmas he may even be able to stand and support his body unaided. That hope means everything — but the costs are immense.
To help support Ben’s recovery, we’re taking on a 24-hour running challenge. Starting Friday 2nd January, we will run 4 km every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours straight. This challenge represents just a fraction of the endurance, strength, and determination that Ben shows every single day.
We’re raising money to support Ben’s ongoing medical treatment, therapies, and home care during this unimaginably difficult time. Ben deserves the chance to reclaim his independence and return to the life he loves.
Every donation, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. Even sharing this page helps more than you know. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Ben and his family on this long, uncertain journey toward healing.