A Chester man has completed his 10th marathon in just five months to raise vital funds for an autism charity.

On Sunday, April 21, Ben Walley joined tens of thousands of runners in this year's London Marathon, running 26.2 miles across the capital. 

Having spent the previous Sunday running the Manchester Marathon, Mr Walley, from Upton, triumphantly completed yesterday’s race in an impressive three hours and 13 minutes.

He will also take on the Berlin Marathon in September, continuing to fundraise for the charity.

His incredible commitment to his hobby and the cause became clear at the end of December, when he set himself the gruelling challenge of completing eight marathons in eight days.  

Mr Walley, 37, who grew up in Christleton, started with the Liverbird double marathon, which took place over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and then proceeded to run another six marathons over the next six days – setting off at 3am each morning.

Chester and District Standard: Ben Walley and Harrison.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. It started as one school and has become a movement for change. It champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities. 

Mr Walley was inspired to fundraise for the charity by his four-year-old son, Harrison, who was diagnosed as autistic two years ago. 

Mr Walley said: “Running the London Marathon has been an absolute privilege, and I’m proud to have done it for a cause so close to my heart. The work Ambitious about Autism does to help create a society that works for autistic people is so important. 

“As a father, I have spent lots of time teaching my son, but he has taught me so much too, and I want to continue to raise awareness about autism.” 

To boost his fundraising efforts, Mr Walley has set up a fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-walley5 which is still open to donations. He has secured over £4,000 for the charity so far.  

Danae Leaman-Hill, director of external affairs and development at Ambitious about Autism, said: “We’re so impressed by the dedication and determination Ben has shown by taking part in so many gruelling challenges, and congratulate him for successfully completing the race in under three and a quarter hours.

"His incredible fundraising efforts will go a long way towards helping autistic children and young people realise their ambitions.” 

For more information about Ambitious about Autism or to find out more about taking part in a challenge event in support of the charity’s work, visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk or email fundraising@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.