On the run for a great cause with runner Ben
Marathon man praises support from school
Machanhill Primary School put its best foot forward recently when four pupils, a teacher and a mum joined marathon man Ben Smith on a run.
Ben is in the process of completing 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days around 309 locations in the UK.
He hopes that, by doing this, he will be able to raise £250,000 for the charities Stonewall and Kidscape, both of which work tirelessly to help children who have been bullied.
Machanhill teacher Gayle Mcmorrow met Ben when they both completed the London Marathon earlier this year and Gayle invited him to the school.
She said: “I know how much it took out of me running one marathon so I have the utmost respect and admiration for Ben who is doing that every day.
“I was so inspired by him that I checked if he was going to be in South Lanarkshire and was delighted when he accepted my invitation to come to our school.”
Gayle added: “It was marvellous that he was able to talk to all the children about his challenge and the reason behind him doing it – this really captured their imagination and they’ve been very enthusiastic in their fundraising. Our aim was to raise £401 - £1 for every marathon Ben is running – and we’ve managed to achieve this.
“We really enjoyed running alongside Ben on his challenge and I’m very proud of each of the four pupils who ran with us – George Williamson, Dean Patterson, Luke Currie and Nadelle Mclean.”
Ben enjoyed his time in Larkhall and is very grateful for the support he received from Machanhill.
He said: “The support I’m getting from all over the country is amazing and my time in Larkhall was time well spent with the kids. I’m very impressed with how well they ran with me. I’m sure we have some marathon runners in our midst.”
For information on Ben’s journey log on to www.the401challenge.co.uk