Hello, my name is Ben Shelley and I’m currently 26 years old, living in Raynes Park (near Wimbledon), Greater London. I grew up in Essex and moved to London last year after spending years in different locations, either studying at University or working various jobs. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I’ve always looked for ways to make a difference.

I saw an advert online for a Marketing & Communications Coordinator at The Royal Star & Garter Homes 18 months ago and after researching the role, it seemed to be a great cause and something that I wanted to be involved with. After a successful couple of interviews, I was offered the position and accepted immediately. Fast forward 18 months and I’ve decided to run the adidas Silverstone Half-Marathon with my friend, Chris to raise money for this great Charity.

I previously ran a half-marathon in 2014 to see if I could do it but without the intention of raising money for a charitable cause as I didn’t want to make a promise that I couldn’t keep. I completed the run, albeit in a pace that wasn’t going to trouble the record books (2hr 16mins) but the important thing was that I completed the run in one piece.

Six months on and I heard about the Silverstone Half-Marathon and thought that it would be a great opportunity to raise money for this fantastic Charity and give something back to those who have bravely served. It’s also a great and potentially once in a lifetime opportunity to run around the historic Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire.

The race is now less than two months away and I thought that it would be a good idea to start training. Last Monday, I stepped out into minus 1 degree temperatures, to start my first run. Normally, this would be more than enough cause for me to crank the heating up and while the evening away with the latest episode of Hell’s Kitchen but not this night. I had the motivation and knowledge that I would be helping the Charity’s amazing residents and that was all I needed to keep going.

Given the fact that I have just started training, I decided to give my body the next night off, to be fresh enough to continue training tomorrow. I thought instead I would use the time to put my thoughts down on paper as to why I’m taking on the challenge and why I chose to run for The Royal Star & Garter Homes. Hopefully I’ve illustrated these points and I will endeavour to keep you updated on my training as often as I can.

For more information, please visit our Virgin Money Page: http://bit.ly/1ClAR6s