We are continuing to crowd fund for Ben's mile. The old page has now closed and we have set up a new page to allow for further donations (as requested from some of the cause supporters). If you would like to visit the old page please follow this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/colleaguesofben

This crowd funding page is dedicated to our colleague Ben Walmsley who sadly passed away after he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 38 in November 2015. Ben was an experienced environmental scientist and a well-respected colleague who was highly valued at Arup in Leeds. Ben was a, caring, humorous, and bright friend who enjoyed his running and cycling (especially with his children while taking them to school).

As former colleagues, we have decided to develop a dedicated running route along the River Aire and neighbouring canal where Ben used to do his lunch time runs. The memorial route is an 800m stretch which will be sign posted with nine sandstone posts set 100m apart. Each column will be engraved with an animal that represents the local wildlife along the river/canal stretch.

The memorial will have a dual purpose as it can be used both as an exercise spot for runners/walkers but also as an environmental educational trail for children to help raise their awareness of local wildlife along the River Aire.

Arup and the Leeds FAS scheme are part funding this initiative and some of the necessary funds are already in place BUT we need to raise additional funds (£5,000). As a result we have set up this crowd funding page.

Previous crowdfunding page for Ben's mile.