I’m running the length of Britain to support my mum’s MS battle

A 25-year-old amateur runner from Chorley is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime to help improve his mum’s quality of life after advanced multiple sclerosis (MS) left her wheelchair dependent.

Benji Wilkins will run 42 marathons in 42 consecutive days, covering more than 1,100 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End, as part of his fundraising campaign, “Marathons for Mum”.

The challenge begins on Monday, June 1, and is expected to take around six weeks to complete.

Benji Wilkins, said: “Mum was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019, after over a decade of various hospital visits and progressive symptoms. For those of you who’ve never heard of it, MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system basically starts attacking the nerves. It’s a progressive disease, meaning it tends to get worse over time, and unfortunately, there’s no known cure.

“And since the amount of money I'm trying to raise is quite high, I wanted to do something equally extreme to raise awareness and support.

“Starting on June 1st 2026, I’ll be running the length of the UK from John O Groats to Land’s End-a journey of around 1,100 miles, which will demand a minimum of a marathon a day from me for around 40 days.

“I’ll be doing this while running a full-time online business and documenting the whole process.”

Benji is raising money for his mother, Hannah, who was officially diagnosed with MS in 2019 after more than a decade of worsening symptoms and repeated hospital visits.

By the time she received a diagnosis, she had lost much of her mobility and now relies on a wheelchair.

Hannah experiences severe fatigue, pain, weakness and stiffness, and requires assistance with many daily tasks.

Despite having no elite sporting background, Benji said he is determined to complete the challenge.

“I’m not an elite athlete,” he said. “What I am is stubborn. This challenge is about showing my mum that she’s not facing this alone.”

Funds raised will help Hannah access therapies, treatments and specialist equipment that are not always available through standard care pathways.

Benji said the money could also help fund home adaptations and mobility aids to improve her independence.

Alongside fundraising, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with progressive neurological conditions and the impact delayed diagnoses can have on families.

Supporters will be able to follow Benji’s journey online as he makes his way the length of Britain.