Imagine running nearly 3,000 miles—the equivalent of a cross-country trek from New York to Los Angeles—not for fame, but to say thank you. That’s exactly what Ben Dobson, a cancer survivor from Godalming, Surrey, has just accomplished. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: after battling a rare form of facial cancer during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ben emerged stronger than ever, declaring he’s now in the best shape of his life. And this is the part most people miss—his journey wasn’t just about physical endurance; it was a heartfelt mission to repay the charity that held his hand through his darkest days.
Diagnosed with a “very rare cancer” on the side of his face, Ben credits Macmillan Cancer Support for guiding him through the chaos. “During my cancer, I was lost in so many different ways, and Macmillan really held my hand throughout the entire process,” he shared with BBC Radio Surrey. Fueled by gratitude, the 48-year-old set out to run across the United States to raise funds for the charity. But life had other plans—an illness just before his flight to America forced him to pivot. Instead of abandoning his mission, Ben decided to tackle the same 2,853-mile (4,600 km) challenge right in the UK.
Starting in March on the South West Coast Path, Ben embarked on his odyssey with a 22lb (10kg) backpack, logging thousands of miles. Yet, the road wasn’t without its trials. During a storm in Cornwall, he slipped and dislocated his shoulder—stranded five miles (8km) from the nearest village with no phone signal. “By some amazing miracle, there was a dog walker on the beach,” he recalled. “I was in quite a bad state, and he drove me to Truro Hospital.”
Ben completed his epic journey in Witley near Guildford on Saturday, having raised an impressive £10,149 for Macmillan. Reflecting on his transformation, he admits there’s a clear divide: “There’s definitely a pre-cancer and post-cancer Ben. The post-cancer Ben is a lot more positive, outgoing, and I think open-hearted.”
But here’s the controversial question: Does surviving a life-threatening illness truly change us for the better, or do we simply adapt to a new reality? Ben’s story suggests the former, but what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about resilience, gratitude, and the power of giving back.
