Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, has smashed his 50,000-meal fundraising target within days of setting off on a charity walk from Larne to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity FareShare.
The monumental milestone, which equates to £12,500 in donations, comes just six days into his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ trek, and 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.
Ben, inspired by hero, Manchester United player, and FareShare ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, said:
“I set myself a target of 50,000 meals for FareShare and I can’t believe I have reached that milestone this early in my campaign.
“Everyone has been so generous in supporting me so far, and with four more days left until I reach my final destination of Old Trafford, I’m excited to push on and raise even more money for Marcus’ charity, FareShare.”
Proud dad Andrew Dickinson, who has been accompanying Ben every step of the way, said:
“I am immensely proud of Ben for taking on this tough challenge and setting himself such a huge target as well.
“As a family, we are so grateful for everyone who has supported him to date and helped him reach the 50,000-meal mark so quickly, and we can’t wait to see what his final fundraising total will be.”
Already exceeding the original target, Ben’s impressive tally for the food charity is set to increase even further with an online auction still live this week, offering football fanatics the opportunity to purchase signed memorabilia from some of the world’s best players, including George Best, Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham.
The charity campaign will culminate with a hero’s welcome for Ben at Old Trafford on Saturday 12th March as Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur, and a live charity auction hosted after the match by Hotel Football, with matchday experiences, hospitality packages, and signed merchandise from players including Cristiano Ronaldo, all up for grabs.
Congratulating Ben on his outstanding achievement, James Persad from FareShare UK said:
““We simply couldn’t do what we do without kind community fundraisers like Ben supporting us and helping raise the vital funds we need year after year.
“50,000 meals is an incredible figure and Ben’s selfless efforts will undoubtedly change the lives of thousands of people across the UK for the better.
“We look forward to cheering him over the finishing line at Old Trafford.”
For more information on how to support Ben’s Miles for Meals and take part in the online auction for a chance to win money-can’t-buy prizes, visit www.bensmilesformeals.com.