A determined schoolboy proudly completed a gruelling running challenge in memory of his best friend.
Ben Thomas, 13, clocked up an impressive 100 kilometres throughout June and raised £630 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The Gilberd School student ran nearly every day of the month, including a jog with his form tutor, an official 5k race in Boxted and ten laps of the JobServe Community Stadium – home of his beloved Colchester United.
He took on the challenge to show his support for EACH, which provided end-of-life care and support for best pal J-Jay Wood, who died in November 2022.
J-Jay, who was ten, had been diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma in 2021.
The tumour was in his pelvis and dug into the base of his spine and left hip, which meant it was impossible to operate. However, he defied the odds and lived for another 18 months.
“He was my best friend, and we had a lot of fun together, playing video games and spending lots of time outside,” said Ben, who attended Brinkley Grove Primary School with J-Jay.
“We also used to love playing with his dog, Yoshi.
“I won’t ever forget him and miss him every day, which is why I wanted to raise money for the people who cared for him.
“The challenge was hard, especially because of the hot weather.
“One of my runs came after having an injection at school, which was tough, and my legs were tired anyway after coming to the end of a long football season with my team, Wivenhoe Town Under-13s.”
J-Jay underwent various rounds of chemotherapy, and, at one point, it appeared the tumour was shrinking. Sadly, that proved not to be the case and J-Jay, mum Marie and dad Michael were put in contact with EACH.
They spent time at The Treehouse, in Ipswich, but most of the care and support they received was delivered at home – complying with J-Jay’s wish.
“I wanted to raise funds for EACH because they cared so well for J-Jay,” added Ben.
“They made sure he could stay at home with his family, which meant I got to see him all the time. We got to make lots of memories together, instead of him being in a hospice.
“I remember being there when the nurses came round. They were so friendly, telling us what they were doing and showing us his medication.
“I was very pleased to raise as much as I did, especially as my original target had been £150. I hit the £500-mark on my 13th birthday, which was a nice present.”
Ben was joined on many of his runs by dad James, as well as being supported by mum Clare and siblings Jack, 16, Fin, ten, and Scarlett, eight.
James said: “As well as raising funds, Ben was also very keen to raise awareness and promote the amazing job EACH does.
“He wore his purple branded top on many of the runs, and hopefully his efforts will inspire others to either find out more or donate.
“He pushed himself and took the challenge in his stride.”
The Thomas family, who live in High Woods, raised funds for EACH by taking part in the charity’s Piglet Junior Hog event in 2023 and 2024.
“The boys had a very lovely, special relationship, and it’s inspiring,” said Clare.
“Ben was only ten when J-Jay died, and they were in Year Six together.
“It was an extremely hard time. However, Ben was determined to channel his grief into something positive, which is very mature. We couldn’t be prouder.”
To show your support and donate, head here.
