Fire Service Veteran Battles Prostate Cancer, Raises Funds through Ultra-Marathons

Strategic Insights -

Ben Weedon, a 50-year-old fire service veteran and ultra-marathon runner, has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer, but has since made a good recovery after undergoing surgery. Recognizing his fortunate position, Ben wants to give back to the community that supported him throughout his journey. He will be participating in a series of ultra-marathons to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Prostate Cancer UK, the two organizations that provided him with invaluable support during his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ben Weedon, a 25-year veteran of the fire service, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer in August 2024, just after his 50th birthday.
  • Ben underwent surgery in November 2024 and has since made a good recovery, with recent tests showing all-clear.
  • He will be participating in a succession of ultra-marathons to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Prostate Cancer UK.
  • Ben's cancer diagnosis was met with overwhelming support from his colleagues, family, and friends, as well as the fire service's health and wellbeing team and The Fire Fighters Charity.
  • Ben's efforts aim to give something back to the community that supported him throughout his journey.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer.
  • 1 in 2 people will get some form of cancer in their lifetime.
  • Ben completed the Autumn 100 Centurion ultra-marathon in 26 hours and 36 minutes.
  • Ben's campaign is raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Prostate Cancer UK.
  • The fire service's health and wellbeing team and The Fire Fighters Charity provided Ben with invaluable support during his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:

  • https://www.gofundme.com/f/dcf58-running-in-remission
  • https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/
  • https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/fears-for-future-of-police-custody-centre-846144
  • https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/education/teign-school-champions-wellbeing-on-world-mental-health-day-842124
  • https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/reward-offered-for-return-of-stolen-dawlish-warren-go-karts-842120
  • https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/news/traffic-moving-slow-after-spillage-on-a38-846335