Kirkham brothers take on Lakeland 50 for three charities

A former semi-professional footballer and his brother are preparing to tackle a gruelling 50-mile endurance challenge to raise money for three charities.

Ben Hudson, 33, and his brother Dan, 35, both from Kirkham, will take part in the Montane Lakeland 50 ultra trail run on July 25.

Ben, who played as a defender for Lancaster City for more than 10 years, will run alongside Hyrox enthusiast Dan in support of Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Breakthrough T1D and the St Michael’s on Wyre Clock and Bell Restoration Fund.

The brothers have attended the past three Lakeland 50 events as spectators after repeatedly applying for places, which are allocated through a ballot system.

Ben, who married his girlfriend Lauren last December, said: “We began training at the start of the year after finally getting our entries confirmed for this July. The run starts at the northern end of Ullswater and climbs 3,000 metres before finishing in Coniston. We’ve been averaging 40 to 50 miles a week and regularly visiting the Lakes to run sections of the trail route.

“In May we also completed the Windermere Lap, which at 47 miles was our first ultra trail run. We’re hopeful of finishing the Lakeland 50 in 10 to 12 hours, but that will depend on the conditions on the day, especially for me.”

Ben was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was eight and must carefully manage his food and drink during endurance events.

He added: “I’m hoping it will be cool and a bit drizzly. My diabetes has never stopped me playing sport or taking on physical challenges, but it does mean I have to plan carefully what I eat and drink to keep my blood glucose levels where they should be.”

As 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of his diagnosis, Ben and Dan, who both work for BAE Systems, are supporting diabetes research charity Breakthrough T1D.

They are also raising money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the St Michael’s on Wyre Clock and Bell Restoration Fund in memory of David Hallam, the father of Ben’s best friend Jonathan, who died from cancer last year.

Ben said: “My best mate Jonathan Hallam lost his dad David to cancer last year. David was a great bloke and his family fundraised for Rosemere to give back for the care and treatment he received. We are supporting Rosemere in David’s name and continuing our family’s connection with the charity.

“Three of my late grandad Stan Bradley’s sisters founded the Kirkham and Rural Fylde Fundraising Group in memory of their other sister Mary, who they lost to cancer.

“Over the years, the group raised £65,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and, when the last of the sisters, Lillian, passed away in 2018, her daughter, Christine, organised an event at Kirkham Grammar School to celebrate her mum’s life and take the group’s final fundraising total to £75,000.”

The church restoration project was another cause close to David’s heart.

Ben added: “The St Michael’s on Wyre Clock and Bell Restoration Fund is aiming to restore the church’s historic bells and repair its clock. One of the bells dates back to 1458 and is among the oldest still in use in England, while the clock needs extensive work. Supporting their restoration felt like another way to honour David’s memory.”

The brothers will be supported around the route by members of the Hallam family, Ben’s wife Lauren, their parents Neil and Sheila, and other relatives and friends.

Hannah Leahy, fundraising assistant for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “We wish Ben and Dan the very best of luck for this year’s Lakeland 50. We are very grateful to them for including Rosemere in their fundraising.”

Donations can be made through Ben and Dan’s JustGiving fundraising page.