Two prominent local charities are collaborating to bring as many people as possible together to participate in an endurance challenge involving springtime running or walking that is designed to incorporate all ages and all levels of ability.
The Ben Bradford BB14 charity, set up in memory of the 16-year-old who tragically passed away in his sleep last year, has joined forces with the Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF) to organise the inaugural Run4Fun Charity Challenge to help raise funds and, with health and wellbeing a fundamental aspect of both organisations, the objective is to encourage as many as possible to participate on the 25th May in a 14-hour endurance charity challenge.
The significance of the date is that it marks the 1st anniversary of Ben’s passing and his family and close friends will be heading to Edinburgh that day to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon to help raise awareness of the charity and fundraise to help local children and families.
Mike explains how the concept of the challenge came about. “As a family, we wanted to do something to commemorate the anniversary of Bens passing and realised that the 2025 Edinburgh marathon was to be run on that day. A team of ten family members and close friends signed up for the event. We then wanted to involve more of Ben’s football and school friends and came up with a concept to get as many people out running on the 25th May as possible.
“By joining forces with RAF, we have an additional reach to local businesses, offshore assets, football clubs and organisations and the idea of the 14-hour challenge was built around the number 14 as a special number related to the charity. Ben proudly wore the number 14 shirt during his eleven years associated with Cove Youth football club and the event is designed to be both challenging and bring groups of people together to work as a team and help collect some funds for two fantastic charities. We have had a brilliant response so far, with teams across the globe pulling together to participate. The aim is to get as many people out running or waking on the 25th May to help us remember Ben.”
Scotland international and RAF founder, Russell Anderson has committed to leading a team of ex-players, and the ex-Aberdeen captain is currently enlisting as many of his former teammates as he can. “To be fair, most did not need too much persuading and so far, Andy Considine, Adam Rooney, Jonny Hayes, Willo Flood, Lee Miller, Lee Mair and Gavin Rae are all taking part with more set to join us.”
Andy, who sits fourth in the all-time appearance list for the club, having played more than five hundred times for the Dons, added. “When the skipper asks you to do something, you don’t say no. But, seriously, BB14 and RAF are extremely worthy causes and I was more than happy to get involved without any hesitation.”
To register for the event, Pease contact:
Mike Bradford at BB14 - Phone: 07735 987445 or email: Mike.bradford@BB14.co.uk
Louise Douglas RAF - Phone: 07735 987445 or email: Louise@russellandersonfoundation.org