Ben’s marathon mission is helping Spurgeons support children and families.

After recently working with Highfield Investments - a land, development and investment consultancy - the team learned more about the work we do at Spurgeons and were inspired to get involved.

What do Spurgeons do?

We create family hubs where we’re needed most, providing support with mental health, special educational needs, domestic abuse and all family life’s challenges. We work through children and family centres, churches, schools and prisons, putting children in first in everything we do.

Last year, Spurgeons supported over 27,500 children and families, but many more still need us.

One member of the Highfield Investment team, Ben, felt inspired by our mission and decided to take support a step further. An avid runner, Ben secured his own place in the Enschede Marathon on 12th April, choosing not to run through a charity entry but instead to “pay it forward” in his own way.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Ben after the marathon, which he ran in an incredible 2 hours and 58 minutes! Here’s what he had to say:

What inspired you to run the marathon for Spurgeons?

It is going towards a great cause. Something I believe in and want to be a part of. I have personal goals for this marathon, but this contribution is something bigger!

You’ve set a target of £2,000! How will you feel if you hit - or exceed - your goal?

I’ve set a fundraising target of £2,000, and hitting - or even surpassing - that goal would mean the world to me. It would be an incredible accomplishment, something I’d be genuinely proud of. More importantly, it would mean real support for families who need it.

What would you say to those thinking about fundraising for Spurgeons?

I highly recommend them—they’re an outstanding charity supporting a truly worthwhile cause. The entire process was handled superbly and felt completely stress-free, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to focus on fundraising. Spurgeon’s made my first fundraising experience smooth, straightforward, and well-supported from start to finish.

Can you help Ben cross the finish line for families who need us most?

Ben is so close to reaching his £2,000 fundraising goal. Your support can help him get there. Every donation, no matter the size, fuels Spurgeons’ work with children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

Your gift could mean:

tailored support for parents navigating difficult circumstances

practical help for families who feel overwhelmed or alone

qualified Spurgeons counselling sessions in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental spaces

access to a range of free, digital resources for families to access anytime, anywhere

By donating today, you’re not just helping Ben reach his goal. You’re helping ensure no family faces life’s struggles alone.

Taking on a marathon is a huge personal challenge, and this year, Ben used his passion for running to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we support. We can’t thank him enough for this.

When I think about what fundraising can do for the children and families Spurgeons supports, the answer is simple: I want to put a smile on their faces.

Ben, Highfield Investments