Wiltshire man on road to Wembley with 878 mile walking challenge
Premier League challenge raising money for Prostate Cancer UK
Last updated 4th May 2021
Ben Lindsay is a man who likes to walk, since February 11th he's clocked up more than 1.3 million steps!
He's set himself a target of 'virtually' walking 878 miles to all the stadiums in the Premier League starting from his home in Redlynch to St Mary's in Southampton and finishing at Wembley.
Lockdown and restrictions mean he's kept those walks local taking in the New Forest on his doorstep and gradually getting further afield as restrictions ease.
He's raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK a cause close to his heart.
"My Uncle and my cousin's husband were both recently diagnose with prostate cancer so it's a chance for me to raise awareness and fund for this horrible disease."
He's already raised more than £1,500 and has ticked off all 20 stadiums on his virtual map.
He's now on the last leg, a mere 272 miles from Newcastle to Wembley!
Ben says there's been some highs and lows over the last few weeks.
"One of the best bits has been the constant messages of support I've received some from random people. That's been great and really kept me going."
"The hardest part is the days when you've already walked 15 miles the day before and you've got to get up and walk 10 miles in the wind and rain. The motivation to keep yourself going is probably the hardest part."
BOOST FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Ben says the walks have also had an added bonus of improving his mental well being;
"Just getting outside, the fresh air as well as keeping you active and physically fit has improved by mental wellbeing. So much so that I felt if it was helping me it could help others so I've set up a Facebook group called Walks for All. The aim is to encourage others to get outside and see what we've got on our doorstep."
PREVIOUS GOAL
Ben's no stranger to lockdown challenges, last year he walked 1,000 miles for NHS Charities raising over a £1,190
He took up walking as a bit of health kick to lose weight.
So when Ben completes this challenge, which he's hoping will be early June, will that be it?
"It'll be nice to put my feet up for a while! I'll probably get itchy feet and no doubt there will be another challenge in the not too distant future."
You can donate to Ben's challenge via his Just Giving page.