Ben Scaife is no stranger to fundraising. Having served in the military in the Royal Signals, he has supported Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund. But when he met his girlfriend and existing Roy’s Runner, Sarah, he joined the team too and is now poised to take on his first London Marathon in the blue and orange vest:
“I love the idea of being a Roy’s Runner. I first found out about the group and the charity after meeting my girlfriend, Sarah. She was running the Manchester marathon for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation with her friend Lee-Anne. Lee-Anne had recently lost her dad, Neil, to lung cancer.
Fitness was a big part of the army but I was never a particularly keen runner; running at everyone’s pace felt like a bit of a chore!
However, when I left the army I took up running just to keep fit. I decided to take the plunge and enter a race. I decided to run the Lincoln half marathon for Help for Heroes. It was the longest distance I’ve ever done on my own and it felt great so much so that I’ve run it again, this time for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
I then said I’d see about maybe running the London Marathon. I applied and didn’t really think much more of it until I got a call from Bobbi at the charity who told me I had a place! Yikes!
Getting a place at the London Marathon came as a surprise
Training has been going well. I’ve got one big run left – 20 miles – in my training plan then I’m looking forward to relaxing before the big day.
We’ve also organised our own virtual run – #RunForALung2018. This event works exactly the same as any other type of run but the difference is that it can be run at any location and at any pace, inside on a treadmill, outside in the park or even in another country!
All you have to do is sign up and evidence that you have done it. And you will get a lovely shiny medal. We’re just asking that people run or walk anything from 5k upwards between 21st April and 5th May. You could even do it on the same day as the marathon!
I have to be honest though, as great as it’s been, it’ll be nice to get my lazy Sunday mornings back!”
