I’m fundraising for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
1 Day to GO! 👏🎉.
As we enter the home straight i wish to thank each and every supporter for their donations over this training block. The runs have been challenging and rewarding in equal measures. I have covered over 500miles in this block and we have collectively raised enough already for 50+ young people complete their Bronze award. Really epic and with the last push tomorrow it’s time to celebrate. Let’s Go!
Yours Sooo thankfully
James ❤️
In 2026, I'm taking on a massive challenge for an incredible cause: running the TCS London Marathon in support of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)!
It's a big year for me—I'm celebrating my 50th birthday—and what better way to mark this milestone than by pushing my limits to raise money for a charity that helps young people feel limitless?
Why the DofE?
The DofE is an inspirational charity that empowers young people from all backgrounds to develop essential life skills, confidence, and resilience. It's not just about expeditions; it's about giving young people the chance to:
- Discover their passions through volunteering, skills, and physical activities.
- Develop teamwork and leadership on challenging expeditions.
- Build confidence to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to participate in the DofE, regardless of their circumstances. The funds I raise will help cover the costs of running the programme, ensuring that more young people - especially those facing barriers - can take part and benefit from this life-changing experience.
My Challenge
The London Marathon is one of the world's most iconic races, and running 26.2 miles at 50 is certainly going to be a challenge! I'm dedicating myself to a rigorous training plan to cross that finish line. It's going to take grit, determination, and a lot of early mornings, but the thought of supporting the DofE will fuel every single step.
My Goal is to raise £2,000!
How You Can Help
Your support, no matter the size, will make a direct difference in a young person's life by helping them start or complete their DofE journey.
Please consider donating today. Your generosity will be my greatest motivation on race day and will help an inspirational charity unlock the potential in tomorrow's leaders.
Thank you for helping me make my 50th year and this marathon run truly meaningful!
Thank you to my Sponsors
£150
Mum
£106
Mark And Miranda Bentinck
Great charity, James. Have a good run
£103.60
Jeff Gyles
GO James GO
£103.60
Margaret Gyles
You can do it! Good Luck!
£100
Sam Bennie
So proud of you - you’ve got this! Looking forward to celebrating with you at the end!
£75
Salter Court
Good luck James, from all at Salter Court!
£63.80
Mark Appleton
Go well !
£53.32
Nicola
Well done James! Great cause! Great time! You have done so well. In awe!
£53.32
Wilton Wholefoods Limited
£52.12
Alice, Owen, Rua And Darwin
Enjoy! My collection of marathon apps continues to grow!
£52
Matt & Mel
Good luck Mr Bennie, we know you’ll smash it!
£50
Joan Harding
Well done with all your training - enjoy the day and good luck!
£50
Number 38 !
Good Luck.
£42.79
David Huckfield
Good luck James. David & Sue Huckfield
£42.79
Mully & Karen
Have a great run for a good cause!
£32.76
Josie Lee
Good luck James. It's a wonderful cause and I know you'll smash it!
£32.76
Anonymous
£32.76
Kathy Church Leat
£32.23
John Fletcher
Well done James, great effort on a warm day!
£31.24
Rachael Faulkner
Good Luck James-amazing effort !
£31.24
Tania Macchiarola
Good luck, Inez
£30
Stephen Shergold
Good luck James ! Julia and Steve
£30
Angela Brightman
Go James, you got this! From the Brightman tribe x
£28.31
Natalie Macdonald
Wishing you all the best James from all of us xx
£28.10
Mr G
Old Gits without Limits. Inspiring the Yoof innit. Luv ya 10C co-tutor. Go Mr B.
£27.05
Chris Page
Good luck James!
£27.05
Michael Eke
Good luck in your endeavours.
£27.05
Neil Stewart
Enjoy the run, James
£27.05
Karen Rapley
Well done, Mr Bennie!
£27.05
Miranda L & Family
Go well!
£26
Mary & Julian
Good luck James!
£23.91
Kirsty Metson
Best of luck from the Metsons! (-:
£23.91
Beth Kremer-collins
£22
Matthew Bennie
Your son here, hope you do well and I’m sure you’ll reach your goal. X
£21.84
Gaynor Reid-smith
All the best for Sunday James, have fun! An amazing amount raised for DofE too!
£21.84
Anonymous
Good Luck Mr Bennie
£21.84
Anonymous
What a great cause! Best of luck
£21.84
Brani Hadzhi
Well done Very worthy cause !
£20
Catt Torlop
Good luck today!!!
£20
Anonymous
Good luck James!
£20
The Tarrinis
Good luck Mr Bennie!
£20
Mr & Mrs Williamson
Good luck James!
£20
Mr & Mrs Walker
Good luck James!
£20
Mrs Nelson
Go for it James!
£20
Bell Family
All the best on Sunday!!
£20
Anonymous
We picked Charters because they list Gold awards in the hall, an inspiration to those that perhaps won’t be achieving in other areas. D of E is an amazing opportunity!
£16.56
Maia Moffatt And Family
Good luck Mr Bennie
£15
Anonymous
Great cause, good luck
£11.33
Lewis Coyle
All the best for your London Marathon… Good Luck Mr Bennie From Lewis
£11.33
David Mcculloch
Good Luck
£11.33
Susan Burr
Great thing to do. Go for it!
£11.33
Jayne Rossiter
Go James - tha fittest in the dept!
£11.33
Lesley Whittow
What a goal! Best of luck. Lesley W
£11.09
Xander
Best of luck today Mr Bennie, you’ve got this!
£11.09
Anonymous
£10
No33
Good luck James!
£10
Alistair Hancock
Good Luck James. A very Worthy cause.
£10
Jan Riggs
Keep on running!
£10
Anne Marie Christensen
Best of luck! Carb up and go smash it!!!
£10
Jennefer Kensey
All the best
£7.77
Lauren S
Well done you superstar
£6.50
Charlotte
Well done dad, I’m extremely proud of you xx
£6.11
Zoe
Good luck!
£6.11
Anonymous
Great cause and good luck !
£5
Robinson’s Family
Good luck!
Good luck for all the training and for such a good cause!