Alice Booth
5 days ago
News

Local Camberley man runs London Marathon this weekend for drug and alcohol charity

Ben Alderton, 39, is set to take on the ultimate challenge of running the London Marathon to raise money and awareness for WithYou, a national charity supporting more than 100,000 people with problems with drugs, alcohol or their mental health across England and Scotland.

Ben Alderton running

A telecommunications director in Surrey, Ben is running for WithYou because of the work the charity did to support his friend’s mum. He’s been running three times a week, as well as two boxing classes and one strength and conditioning class with a personal trainer.

Ben said: “I was motivated to run for WithYou because of the great work they did supporting my friend’s mum. I have many friends and family who suffer from addiction and mental health-related problems, and with charities like WithYou more people will get help.”

Stephen McCulloch, executive director for marketing, communications and fundraising at WithYou, said: “We’re very grateful to Ben for taking on this momentous challenge. I ran the London Marathon for WithYou two years ago, and I know just how demanding it is. Doing it for a cause close to your heart shows so much generosity and strength. 

“Every pound donated will go towards helping people struggling with drugs, alcohol and mental health problems. Just £16 can pay for a support session with a trained advisor via our webchat service - enabling people to get anonymous support from wherever they are. With your generosity we can continue to offer hope to those who feel there is none. When it comes to creating change, every step counts.”

If you want to support Ben, you can visit his fundraising page -  2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ben-alderton

WithYou is a leading drug, alcohol and mental health charity operating across England and Scotland. Each year we work with more than 100,000 people in over 120 locations, providing a free and confidential service without judgement to adults and young people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. Find out more at:  wearewithyou.org.uk