A schoolboy from Larne has completed his ten-day trek to Old Trafford and raised funds for over 115,000 meals along the way.
Eleven-year-old Ben Dickinson was given a hero's welcome at the Manchester United home ground after completing the 64-mile challenge in aid of food poverty charity FareShare.
The inspirational youngster raised over £28,000 by taking on the challenge, which will fund meals for the UK hunger charity.
Read more: Manchester United hail Larne schoolboy's fundraising effort
Inspired by his idol, England international, and FareShare ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, Ben set himself a target of 50,000 meals for the charity, and is ecstatic to have smashed his fundraising tally.
Ben said: “I set myself the challenge of raising 50,000 meals but I am absolutely gobsmacked that my charity campaign has raised more than double that now.
“It was a tough trek, I definitely had sore legs at times, but knowing what FareShare can do with that money and that thousands of people in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK will now have a healthy meal on the table, it makes every step worth it.”
The young fundraiser was supported along his charity walk by squad members of Larne Football Club, Larne Football Club and Boomin owner, Kenny Bruce, and met Manchester United stalwart’s Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Wayne Rooney.
His Ben’s Miles for Meals campaign culminated with a pitch-side ovation from a 75,000-strong Old Trafford crowd and a shirt presentation from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Proud dad Andrew Dickinson, who accompanied son Ben every step of the way, said he's "in awe" of what his son has achieved.
He added: “He’s turned his love for Marcus Rashford into a charity campaign that will undoubtedly change the lives of thousands of people across the UK.
“Completely smashing his original target was reward enough but the hero’s welcome at Old Trafford was an experience he will never forget and we are so thankful to everyone who made it happen and supported him along the way.”
Thrilled Ben echoed his dad’s statement, saying: “It really was the most amazing experience of my life!”.
The funds raised through the campaign will enable FareShare to tackle hunger in the most vulnerable communities by distributing food packages to charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.bensmilesformeals.com
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