Hi. My name is Ben. In 2015 when I was 9, my grandad Jim sadly lost his 11-year battle with Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. This is one of the most common types of cancer. In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. My grandad was one of them.

More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that's 144 men every day.

Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 12,000 men every year.

Growing up around a strong man with prostate cancer was tough. Truthfully, I never paid attention to those little things at a young age. Jim was a very bright, positive, and joyful person to be around. Jim was spoken of highly amongst people he knew through his work, his hobby for the bagpipes, and even those who just got to know him for who he truly was. Day by day with not a second wasted on a frown, Jim had a specialty for brightening the darkest of rooms. Jokes would flurry out and his inner child joined in on the silliest of my games. He was always there for me. He taught me more than there is to ever know about the world even without specifically telling me, some of which I'm still trying to put into practice as I get older. He really was a master with people. On the football pitch, he was my inspiration. Turning up every week without fail, in the rain with his umbrella and wellies and in the sun with his cap and polo shirt, he was always there to push me to improve and be the best supporter I could ask for. From introducing me to match of the day to staying up until midnight to buy the new Manchester United kit as soon as it dropped (present-day me not so impressed with club choice), Jim was always there putting his family and friends above himself even during the toughest of times - something we can all learn from.

My mum to this day tells me endless stories of Jim, some of which I have heard a lot (sorry mum) and some which shock me at how brave he truly was. During his time on Chemotherapy, Jim would still make endless visits and an unreal amount of effort to see us. One time, a few teeth of his fell out on the way to a farm but he soldiered on and still produced us a fantastic day out. However, this run is not only dedicated to Jim. My mum, who battled so tirelessly for Jim. She puts her heart and soul into everything and I really can't ask for a better mother even if I don't show it all the time. I still won't forget that morning Jim died. I have never felt like that ever, and probably won't for a very long time, but it was when I first saw my mum that it really hit me. These moments re-live in my head and are what push me to do better in life. She has now dedicated the past few years working for Prostate Cancer UK to help those in need, and those who are feeling exactly how she felt those years ago. For my mum, I am eternally grateful, which is why I wanted to do this challenge with her. Not only my mum but her two brothers Simon and David who have always been there for me as brilliant uncles and cared for their dad just as much as my mum. With both Simon and David being genetically more likely to develop prostate cancer, it again raises alarm bells that we need to do something about it, which is why raising money for Prostate Cancer UK will help support those with cancer or get more men checked to catch it as early as possible.

So, On Sunday the 27th of April, me and my mum -Jacqui- are running the 2025 TCS London Marathon in honor of my grandad Jim. Why now? With me turning 18 and my mum turning 50, it is not only a special year in turns of age but it's also 10 years since the passing of Jim and 20 years since my mum and Jim ran the London Marathon together in 2005, making it a very special occasion.

My grandad is my hero. He is my sisters' hero. He is my dad's hero. Most importantly, he is my mum's hero. We are not running this for us, we're running it for him.

Please donate to help reach my £2500 target to run this marathon, and save lives in the process. Your support does go a long way.

You can check up on my progress through my Instagram or Tik Tok @bcooke_11 where I will share my journey.

Thank You