A FIRE service veteran and ultra-marathon runner battles prostate cancer and raises funds through ultra-marathons after beating his diagnosis.

Ben Weedon, Station Manager at the Academy, has had an active life, both within his 25-year career in the fire service and in his outside life with his family and his sporting passion - ultra marathon running.

In August 2024, Ben received the difficult news that he had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer.

After processing what had happened, he elected to go for surgery, which he had in November 2024.

With one in eight men getting prostate cancer, and one in two getting some form of cancer in their life, Ben had considered it could probably be a reality in his mid-sixties onwards.

But Ben’s diagnosis came just after his 50th birthday.

He has since made a good recovery with the recent tests showing all-clear.

And Ben recognises he is in a fortunate position, and now wishes to make use of the opportunities he has been given by giving something back.

‘The support I have received from the Service, colleagues, family and friends has been absolutely amazing’, said Ben.

‘It reassured me what a close-knit, caring organisation Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is, the positivity that exists, and the fantastic support available such as our health and wellbeing team and the Fire Fighters Charity’, added Ben.

Therefore, through a succession of ultra-marathons, Ben will be raising funds for the two wonderful charities that have supported him throughout his journey - The Fire Fighters Charity and Prostate Cancer UK.

On October 18, Ben took part in the Autumn 100 Centurion, a 100-mile continuous trial race based in the villages of Goring and Streatley on the River Thames.

He completed the race in an amazing 26 hours and 36 mins and there are lots more ultra marathons to come.

If you would like to support Ben and donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dcf58-running-in-remission