Ben is fundraising for Ben (Latham) and Ben (Lighting); 100km trail race across the Alps

On August 29th, I'm participating in the legendary CCC (Courmayeur - Champex-Lac - Chamonix) race, part of the UTMB week. The race starts in Courmayeur, Italy, before passing through Switzerland and finishing in Chamonix. In total, the distance is just over 100km, with 6,050m of vertical ascent and 6.240m of descent.

This is my second time competing in the CCC, after having to pull out at 55km in 2023 due to stomach issues. I'm absolutely determined to reach the finish line this time around!

As additional motivation, I have decided to fundraise for two fantastic charities who both have a close personal connection:

- The Aortic Dissection Trust was set up by Pauline Latham after she lost her son, and one of my best friends (Ben) very suddenly to Aortic Dissection in December 2018 at the age of just 44. He was survived by his wife Tracey and children Poppy & Harry. The charity does fantastic work in helping to avoid preventable deaths by Aortic Dissection by providing education and awareness of the condition to the medical profession and general public.

- Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care provide support for adults approaching the end of life, and their families and carers. They are providing invaluable help for another friend, and another Ben (Lighting) - who has Motor Neurone Disease - and are dependant on charitable donations to be able to continue to provide care & support for those with terminal illnesses.

Thank you for any donations, large or small, which will have a huge impact for both charities.

I will try to provide fairly regular updates on training & fundraising between now and August 29th!