Later this year, in the middle of the summer, Ben Allen will be setting off from Newport on the Isle of Wight heading to London. On foot.
Not only that, but he’ll be doing it dressed as a Stormtrooper!
Not as the crow flies
Matthew Mew and Simon Cherry will be joining Ben on his journey, which will take them across the Solent, through the New Forest, into Salisbury, then up to Stonehenge.
Then east through Hampshire and Surrey before heading to Heathrow and finally onto Central London, where they’ll finish at Star Wars Celebration 2016 at the London Excel. Having walked a total of 245km.
Ben’s motivation
The reason for this challenge? Ben is hoping to raise much needed cash for the Joe Ellis Trust.
Set up following the sad death of 13 year old Joe Ellis, the Trust helps Island children who have cancer and their families in their time of need.
Ben explains,
“I am doing this to raise money for the Joe Ellis Trust, which as I’m part of the Vectis Remnant Squad, Star Wars costumers, is our chosen charity for 2016. The Trust helps Isle of Wight children who have cancer and their families in their time of need.
“The Trust was set up in loving memory of Joe Ellis, who died 30/6/14, at the tender age of just 13 years, after being diagnosed with Primary Mediastinum large B cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“I am hoping to raise at least £1,500 towards this great cause and hope you can sponsor me as little or as much as you can afford.
“I will be joined on my walk by two of my closest friends, Matt and Simon, who’ll provide encouragement and support along the journey!”
Not only is Ben’s challenge pretty incredible, but it appears that he’s actually making his costume too.
My new lid coming on nicely. Ears and brow trim are on. I love 1mm plastic. Gonna be so light to wear after 245km pic.twitter.com/ExPHFUt5EB
— Bens Imperial March (@BensImperial) March 2, 2016
Donate
You can follow Ben’s journey on Twitter and support his challenge by donating via the Just Giving page.
