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 were an unforgettable, constant source of strength and support whenever called upon.

During my treatment, when the future was uncertain, I embarked upon folding 1000 origami cranes. In Japanese folklore, when the individual completes the 1000th within a year, they are entitled to one wish. I folded for mental health well-being so when I made my wish, to be pain-free 4 months later, I expected very little. The following morning, a Macmillan nurse made a house visit and on seeing my distress, immediately made a flurry of phone calls, which for the first time in months, that afternoon, resulted in me being blissfully pain-free, and my wish coming true. I only include this as I intend to give away the 1000 cranes on my travels. Each crane is numbered and each crane given out will be documented and recorded to be complied after the event.

Since then, I have been looking for an opportunity to repay Macmillan and set myself the challenge of running solo and unsupported form LA to New York.

I’ve dedicated over 7 months and up to 20 hours a week in training, with this challenge being my sole focus. However, 2 months before my intended departure I faced a medical emergency that left me unable to travel to the US. Wanting to keep my commitment to Macmillan, I decided to run the equivalent distance of 2,800-3,000 miles, on UK soil. The challenge will take me around 150 days (5 months) to complete.

On 1st March 2025, I will set off from Minehead in Somerset to run the entire South West Coast Path, a distance of 630 miles, finishing in Poole, Dorset. I will carry my tent, equipment and supplies on my back and will be running solo and unsupported.

On completion of this first segment I will be running throughout the UK and Wales (routes to be finalised soon).

Whilst this endeavour will test me physically, emotionally and logistically, I feel strongly that this is something I should do rather than something I could do.

I will be running for everyone who has been touched by this disease and those that will be. Please help me to raise £10,000 for Macmillan, a truly life-saving charity.

You can follow my daily progress on Instagram @benrunsamerica

Finally, special thanks to Hone Gym who believed in me from beginning, and to my other generous and supportive sponsors:

Many thanks for reading.