Burnley runner Ben Catlow raises almost £18,000 for charity after completing more than 60 events in four years
A Burnley man who has completed more than 60 running events, including nine marathons, and has raised almost £18,000 for a range of charities close to his heart, is hoping to inspire others.
Ben Catlow has combined his passion for running with fundraising over the last four years, taking on challenges across the UK and Europe while supporting causes that have touched his life personally.
Since 2022, Ben has raised an impressive £17,848 for charities including Pendleside Hospice, Tommy’s, The Kids Charity, Manchester Children’s Hospital, Burnley Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He has also helped raise money for individuals facing personal challenges.
In that time, Ben has completed 63 organised running events, including four 5Ks, one 8K, 27 10Ks, two 10-mile races, 18 half marathons, one 20-mile race and nine marathons.
His marathon achievements include three London Marathons, as well as races in Dublin, Chester, Seville, Bruges and Leeds.
Ben’s fundraising journey began when he secured a place in the 2022 London Marathon in aid of Pendleside Hospice, running in memory of two close friends.
He said: “That really started the ball rolling for me. I was highly motivated to keep running marathons and raising money for organisations that do amazing things for people.
“Pendleside Hospice is a charity that is very close to my heart. They cared for my auntie and two friends before they passed away. I also ran the Dublin Marathon in memory of my auntie and completed the Great North Run for Pendleside. It’s a wonderful hospice and I will always continue to support it.”
One of Ben’s most personal fundraising efforts came after his son was born 15 weeks prematurely in 2023.
His son spent five months in Burnley NICU and a further three months at Manchester Children’s Hospital, prompting Ben to raise money as a way of thanking the medical teams who cared for him and supported the family through an incredibly difficult period.
Ben said: “When my child was born 15 weeks early, his chance of survival was slim. The care he received was incredible, and fundraising for NICU was my way of showing appreciation for everything they did for my little boy and for us as a family.”
As well as raising funds, Ben hopes his running journey can inspire others. He has built a growing community through his Instagram running page, where he shares his training, fundraising efforts and personal experiences.
He said: “I thrive on helping others and those that need it most. It motivates me to keep fundraising and keep entering events.
“A lot of people tell me that my page motivates them and helps with their mental health, which makes me extremely proud.”
Ben believes running has transformed his life and helped him become a better version of himself.
He added: “Running has helped me become the best version of myself. It helps me be the best dad possible to my children and the best support I can be for my fiancée.
“I have more events lined up and I’m eager to raise even more money in the future. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”