Super supporter of Blackpool's Big Food Project is fighting food hunger one mile at a time & needs your help

A super supporter of the Big Food Project is embarking on an incredible fundraising challenge - running five marathons in five days across the Fylde coast.

Luke Helmn - the man behind the well-known 'Ron's Run' - is attempting to raise £50,000 for the Big Food Project by running a total of 133 miles in just five days to fund 100,000 meals.

From Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29 2026, Luke is running a marathon a day to generate as much money as possible.

Luke's support for the Big Food Project was inspired by his dad, Ron who served in the RAF for 27 years and in his later years coached athletics to thousands of children at the running track at Stanley Park, Blackpool.

At the age of 50, Luke decided to take his support for the Big Food Project one step further and follow in the footsteps of BBC Radio Two's Sara Cox, who ran 135 miles over five days, and rugby player Kevin Sinfield, who ran more than 185 miles in seven days.

Luke, who lives in Poulton, said: "I am fighting food hunger literally one mile at a time - and I need your support. It is a crazy challenge but it's something I have always wanted to do.

"I first began collecting food donations for The Big Food Project after my dad passed away. I organised 'Ron's Run' to fund a commemorative bench at the Stanley Park running track. When the bench was generously donated, I kept on running and collected food donations for local families instead.

"What began as an act of remembrance became action. Inspired by my dad who went to war at the age of 15 and bravely fought cancer, as well as the incredible feats of others, I am excited to be running five marathons in five days.

"It's a big ask, but I am determined to do it knowing that I am raising money to support a charity that is incredibly important to communities across the Fylde. Please donate via my Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/5in5."

His challenge is timed to coincide with World Hunger Day on May 28 2026.

In support of Luke, the Big Food Project will be lighting up Blackpool Tower on May 28 and the public is being encouraged to take part in a 'Move a Mile for a Meal' initiative and attract sponsors that will support Luke in his fundraising goal.

Active Blackpool has pledged its support while local gyms, sports clubs, personal trainers and sports enthusiasts, are all being encouraged to get involved in 'Move a Mile for a Meal' from running, walking and cycling to swimming or other activities.

Big Food Project Chief Executive, Claire Powell said: "Luke's commitment to the Big Food Project is awe-inspiring - running five marathons in five days is an incredible challenge and we are with him every step of the way. We wish him the very best of luck and would like to invite everyone to donate on his Just Giving page.

"If Luke achieves his target of raising £50,000, it will enable us to provide 100,000 meals across the Fylde, helping safeguard our future as a charity.

"As the foodbank of foodbanks - the main distributor of surplus and donated food across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre - we believe that no child should go hungry and nobody should have to choose between heating and eating - this is happening every single day in our across the Fylde coast and we are the lifeline to those experiencing extreme poverty.

"By supporting Luke and the Big Food Project, you will be doing something amazing - thank you."

Donate to Luke's official Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/5in5

Ron's Run - 5 Marathons in 5 Days

Day 1: Fleetwood

Day 2: Lytham

Day 3: Preston to Blackpool

Day 4: Poulton - Pilling

Day 5: Poulton - Pleasure Beach

Full details of the runs can be found here https://thebigfoodproject.co.uk/rons-run/

Big Food Project 2025 - fast facts

The Big Food Project began as the Blackpool Food Bank in 2012, driven by a simple yet powerful goal: to ensure no one in Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre goes hungry.

Over time, it expanded, bringing together over 120 local organisations dedicated to addressing food insecurity across the Fylde coast. The Big Food Project works tirelessly to redirect surplus, edible food from local food manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and individuals to those who need it most. It is currently providing over 18,000 meals a week.

897,710 meals distributed

4,718 crisis parcels provided

510 tonnes of food rescued

27,700 miles driven for food collections

20,845 of volunteer hours

140 volunteers

716kg of carbon dioxide prevented from entering the atmosphere thanks to food rescue

www.bigfoodproject.co.uk