5 in 5 at 50 – Out of a Park Bench 💚

This story started with a bench.

In 2023, the family of Ron Helmn wanted to honour a remarkable man at Stanley Park Athletics Track in Blackpool. Ron went to war at just 15 years old, serving 27 years in the RAF. Later in life — even while living with cancer for a decade — he coached thousands of local children in athletics.

When Ron passed away, his ashes were laid on the very track where he gave so much of his time.

A fundraising run was organised to pay for a commemorative bench — but then something incredible happened. Local firm Glasdon donated it.

The bench was funded.

But the running didn’t stop.

Instead of raising money, runners began collecting food for local food banks. Ron’s son Luke called it “Paying Sport Forward” — using movement to feed the community.

The idea grew. “Move a Mile, Give a Meal” became award-winning. But now we’ve discovered something shocking:

Even after supermarket donations, The Big Food Project faces a shortfall of 100,000 meals a year — around £50,000.

Ron went to war at 15.

Eighty-three years later, people in his hometown are still hungry.

That can’t be right.

So at 50 years old, inspired by Kevin Sinfield and Sara Cox, Luke is taking on something HUGE:

5 Marathons. 5 Days. Around a full working week.

The goal? £50,000. 100,000 meals.

£1 = 2 meals.

Your support fuels every step.

You can:

Donate (every pound matters)

Share the journey

Set up your own “Move a Mile, Give a Meal” page

Get your school, workplace or sports club involved

Let’s turn miles into meals.

Let’s move together.

Let’s feed our town.

💚 Join the 5 in 5.