Man takes on Liverpool to Bath running challenge

Fin started his challenge at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool on Wednesday

A man who is taking on an epic running challenge said he wants to highlight the legacy his friend, who died from cancer, has left behind.

Starting the challenge on Wednesday from Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before stopping off at Bristol's Ashton Gate, 23-year-old Fin Coyle will arrive at Twerton Park in Bath later, raising money for the Ben Saunders Foundation.

Set up by 18-year-old Ben Saunders weeks before his death in 2020, the charity has provided holidays for young people with cancer at their lodges at Cotswold Water Park, which is on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border.

Mr Coyle said the charity had "impacted so many people's lives and put smiles on their faces, especially in such tough times".

Ben Saunders set up the charity weeks before his death in August 2020

Mr Coyle, who met Ben when he was 16 and playing for Bath City Academy, said his friend was "personable, friendly and chatty".

"We played literally next to each other on the football pitch. He played centre back and I played left back. He was always very much a leader," he said.

"On the pitch he was very determined, tough, big hearted, even if we wasn't the biggest."

On why he decided to take on the "significant challenge", Mr Coyle said: "I chose the challenge mainly because Ben absolutely loved Liverpool and Bristol City and him and I played together in Bath so it just made sense."

"Ben - he'd probably say I'm crazy," he added.

Fin said he wanted to take on the "significant challenge" to raise funds for his friend's charity

Mr Coyle said there had been a number of challenges along the journey, especially the heat and attempting to stay hydrated.

He also said trying to find a safe route has been an issue, with many footpaths being overgrown.

"I've been running on footpaths and through fields with cows and sheep," he said.

Mr Coyle said despite planning the route before he left at times he has had to detour or "chuck myself through bushes to get through", resulting in him having to do extra kilometers each day.

While it has been challenging at times, Mr Coyle said the amount of money he has raised, which is over £1,700, keeps him going.

"I do see the notifications come through as I run and it always makes me smile and it keeps me going when the heat is beating down on me," he said.

Both Ben (pictured) and Fin met when they played at Bath City as youngsters

However, ultimately Mr Coyle said it is not about him, "it's about what the foundation can do for young families, young children and how much they can impact their lives".

"Highlighting the foundation and what Ben has left behind is really what I'm trying to do here," he added.

In 2023, the charity, which has raised over £750,000 and helped over 350 families, was awarded a Points of Light award by the then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.