Letchworth son's 100km challenge in memory of his dad

Ben Mottershead, who lives in Letchworth, explained: "At the start of the year, we lost my dad, David, to prostate cancer - a day after his 62nd birthday.

"He had been living with the disease since 2021 and had given it his all during that time. It wasn’t a battle or a gladiatorial fight. It was an everyday struggle, and there were enormously tough times we all went through.

"However, he persisted right until the end. He never lost his quick wit, which he was so well-known for, and that was the most admirable thing to witness.

"Throughout his life, my dad was an active runner, having competed in numerous marathons, half marathons and fell races - any runner will tell you how hard they are.

"He always said running was ideal for people who could live in their own head, and liked being by themselves. While true, we always believed this was just an excuse to get away from the family on one of his 22 mile training 'jogs'.

"This ability is sadly something that I never inherited. Despite being very active myself, I find running one of the hardest activities to engage in. It's slow, boring and painful in every way, which is exactly why I have chosen it for my challenge."

David Mottershead with his sons Ben and Joey. (Image: Courtesy of Ben Mottershead)

Ben is planning to take part in Movember by running 100km during November and growing a moustache.

Men's health charity Movember has funded more than 1,250 men's health projects around the world since it was established in 2003, including work surrounding suicide prevention, mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Referring to his 100km challenge, Ben said: "To me, it's one of the worst ordeals I can imagine, and I'm sure the image of me limping along would make my dad laugh.

"I'm hoping to help make a few people's lives infinitely better in what is one of the most difficult things a family can go through."

To sponsor Ben, visit movember.com/m/15181409?mc=1.