South Yorkshire runner to tackle length of Britain in tribute to four grandparents
A young runner from South Yorkshire is preparing to run the length of Great Britain in an emotional tribute to his four lost grandparents.
A young runner from South Yorkshire is preparing to run the length of Great Britain in an emotional tribute to his four lost grandparents.
22-year-old RSPB conservation volunteer Ben Lucas is preparing to run the length of Britain in just 35 days—an endurance challenge driven by the memory of his four much loved grandparents.
Ben will set off from John o’ Groats on 7 June aiming to reach Land’s End after covering around 1,500km—the equivalent of running 35 marathons.
Ben, who volunteers with the RSPB at Old Moor nature reserve in South Yorkshire, has spent the past eight months balancing conservation work with intensive training for the challenge.
Originally from Ipswich and a Geography graduate from Durham University, he took on the residential volunteer role to build a career in nature conservation.
During his time in the Dearne Valley, Ben has worked on habitat management, species monitoring including otters, caring for Konik ponies, and helping maintain reedbeds that support rare birds such as Bitterns and Marsh Harriers.
While physically demanding, the run is rooted in something deeply personal.
Ben lost all four of his grandparents before he turned 17 —two to cancer, one to dementia and one to bronchitis.
Now, he is taking on this challenge to honour their memory and raise funds for Cancer Research UK, Dementia UK and Asthma and Lung UK.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them,” Ben said.
“This challenge is my way of keeping their memory alive and supporting the charities that are working to prevent other families going through the same loss.”
The route will take in some of the UK’s most iconic trails, including the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way and sections of the Southwest Coast Path—testing both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Despite having completed several marathons and a coast-to-coast walk, Ben acknowledges the scale of what lies ahead.
“It’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “I’m excited, and a little nervous, but having such a strong personal reason keeps me focused.”
So far, Ben has raised £770 towards his £5,000 target and hopes that sharing his story of his cherished grandparents will encourage others to support his journey and the charities he is running for.
Emma Tuckey, Manager at RSPB Old Moor, said: “RSPB colleagues at Old Moor are all rooting for him. Ben is totally dedicated to his training and fitting this in around his volunteering. He is such an inspiring young man and we wish him every success and are certain he’ll make it.”
To support Ben’s fundraising challenge, visit: https://gvwhl.com/H8BTD