A Co Antrim schoolboy, who’s already raised more than £35,000 with his charity challenges, is taking a huge step to mark one of football’s greatest achievements and raise even more money for a trio of charities.
Ben Dickinson, who last year marched from his hometown of Larne all the way to Old Trafford, is now preparing for a Treble Trek that will take him to Manchester, London and Barcelona in the next year.
The Trek will see the 12-year-old turn the clock back to 1999 by walking 1 x 999 laps around the three stadiums where Manchester United won the Treble. He’ll start at Old Trafford before moving onto Wembley and finishing at the Nou Camp in time for the 25th Anniversary next May.
Read more: Larne schoolboy Ben Dickinson completes 10 day trek to Old Trafford to fund 115,000 meals
Ben, who’s a Manchester United fan and was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s fundraising efforts, received the prestigious Diana Award for his charitable work, the highest honour a young person in the UK can pick up for social action or humanitarian efforts.
Last year, the inspirational youngster raised enough money to pay for more than 115,000 meals in his last 64-mile challenge for FareShare, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste.
Ben’s aiming to provide even more for the charity whilst also walking to support the work of Soccer Aid for UNICEF and Greater Manchester-based Foundation 92.
The money raised for FareShare will help get good-to-eat food, that may otherwise go to waste, to its network of 8,500 charities and community groups, which support over a million people across the UK.
The Ballymena Academy pupil said: “After running a mile a day for 26 days, then walking all the way from my hometown to the home of Manchester United, it’s time to do something really special to mark the Treble, an achievement my Dad’s told me all about.
“I know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Speaking at the launch at Hotel Football, Red Devils legend Ryan Giggs said: “We met Ben last year when he’d completed his Miles for Meals challenge and were impressed by his dedication and commitment, the fact he’s a Manchester United fan helps!
“Now we’re backing him to make the Treble Trek a huge success and we’re delighted he’s chosen Foundation 92 as one of the charities that’ll benefit from his fundraising."
The Treble Trek is being supported by legal and professional services group, Gateley, which has offices across the UK, and their CEO Rod Waldie said: “Gateley is a purpose-led business and every step Ben takes on the Treble Trek will support communities to give them what they need, whether that’s a square meal or a chance to build their skills and education.
“We’re all inspired by Ben’s determination to make a difference for so many people, we’ll be with him every step of the way.”
Ben will begin his Treble Trek at Old Trafford on Friday, July 7 and you can donate here.
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