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Larne schoolboy Ben Dickinson (10) sets off on 10-day trek to Old Trafford to raise cost of 50,000 meals for charity

Ben sets off with the Larne FC senior squad cheered on by primary school kids Mandatory Credit: Stephen Hamilton Expand
3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro Expand
Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron Expand
3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro Expand
3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro Expand

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Ben sets off with the Larne FC senior squad cheered on by primary school kids Mandatory Credit: Stephen Hamilton

Ben sets off with the Larne FC senior squad cheered on by primary school kids Mandatory Credit: Stephen Hamilton

Stephen Hamilton

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

Stephen Hamilton

Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron

Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron

Stephen Hamilton

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

Stephen Hamilton

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

3rd March 2022 Ten-year-old Ben Dickinson sets off on his ten-day charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, aiming to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for food poverty charity, FareShare. Inspirational Ben was joined by his family and friends, Larne FC senior squad, and Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg’s daughter, Jane Gregg for the first leg of his journey, and cheered on by local residents and primary school children as he set off. Mandatory Credit Stephen Hamilton CHARITY CHAMPION BEN SETS OFF ON TREK TO OLD TRAFFORD Northern Ireland schoolboy, Ben Dickinson, takes off today on his ten-day ‘Ben’s Miles for Meals’ charity trek from Inver Park to Old Trafford, in aid of food poverty charity, FareShare. FareShare collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to numerous charities and foodbanks in Northern Ireland, and across the rest of the UK, tackling hunger in the most vulnerable communities. By walking from his hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland to the iconic home of the Red Devils in Manchester, the ambitious ten-year-old, inspired by his own footballing icon and FareShare UK ambassador, Marcus Rashford MBE, is hoping to raise enough money to fund 50,000 meals for the charity and change lives across the UK. Speaking ahead of his first steps, Ben commented: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant. “I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line. “I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!” Joining Ben on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the schoolboy thro

Stephen Hamilton

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Ben sets off with the Larne FC senior squad cheered on by primary school kids Mandatory Credit: Stephen Hamilton
Niamh Campbell

Niamh Campbell Twitter Email

Ben Dickinson (10) from Larne has begun the walk from his hometown to Manchester, in his bid to raise money for a food poverty charity.

He has already helped fund 39,000 meals for FareShare, of which Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is an ambassador.

The Ballykeel Primary School pupil’s Miles for Meals campaign will see him walk from Larne FC’s Inver Park to Old Trafford Football Stadium, in aid of the organisation which collects surplus food from multiple industries and redistributes it to charities and food banks in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK.

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Speaking ahead of his first steps on Thursday morning, Ben said: “Since launching Ben’s Mile for Meals, the support I’ve received from friends, family, Greenisland FC teammates, local businesses, and famous faces, has been brilliant.

“I’m already well on course to reach my target of 50,000 meals but hope my walk to Old Trafford will get me over that line.

“I just can’t wait to get started now and enjoy the next ten days!”

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Joining him on the first leg of his journey from Inver Park are senior squad members from Larne Football Club, Jane Gregg, daughter of Northern Ireland legend Harry Gregg, representatives from FareShare NI, and friends and family, with further supporters joining the kind-hearted youngster throughout the rest of the 10-day trek.

The mammoth journey will culminate with a hero’s welcome for Ben at Old Trafford on Saturday March 12, as the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur.

Ben is hoping he will be able to personally present a cheque to his hero Rashford.

This isn't the first time Ben has fundraised for a special cause.

In March 2021, the Co Antrim schoolboy raised £7,200 for Northern Ireland Hospice by running a mile every day for 26 days and was surprised via Zoom by Marcus Rashford, who congratulated him on his fundraising efforts

He undertook his latest fundraising campaign with the help of Manchester United legend, Bryan Robson.

The former footballer used his current position as global ambassador for the famous club to champion the campaign at a recent event in the city, which resulted in a deluge of donations.

Within a month of launching his appeal, Ben reached a 25,000-meal milestone, and is well on schedule to reach his target of of 50,000 meals by the end of next week.

Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron Expand

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Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron

Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron

Stephen Hamilton

Ben Dickinson pictured with favourite Larne FC player, John Heron

As FareShare can provide four meals for every £1 donated, he needs to raise £12,500.

Meabh Austin, Development Manager at FareShare Northern Ireland, said that what the young man has achieved in “such a short time is phenomenal”.

“The success of Ben’s Miles for Meals is testament to Ben’s hard work and selfless determination, and it will go a long way to supporting many vulnerable children and families within our community,” she added.

James Persad from FareShare UK, said: “Ben’s enthusiasm and determination are truly inspirational. We couldn’t be more grateful for his incredible efforts. The money he’s raised will get food onto the plates of families and children across the UK.

“Thank you Ben and best of luck on the walk!”

Ben is also is now being powered on by the support of his favourite Premier League club, having been featured on MUFC TV and received a message of support from United and Northern Ireland legend Norman Whiteside.

“That’s a hell of a thing to do mate,” Norman said in a video sent to Ben. “I believe you’re a big Manchester United fan, that’s fantastic, and you’ve raised loads of meals for charity so keep up the good work mate, and come on United!”

Looking ahead to Ben’s arrival in Manchester, John Shiels MBE, Chief Executive of Manchester United Foundation, said: "What Ben is doing for FareShare is truly inspirational. We are passionate about celebrating young people and providing them with the opportunities to create social action in their communities. In a post-pandemic world, it has never been so important.

“We wish Ben all the best on his journey and look forward to welcoming him over the finish line at Old Trafford.”

Larne FC chairman, Gareth Clements also took to Twitter on Thursday to praise the generous 10-year-old, and even walked the first mile of his journey with him. 

For more information on how to support Ben’s Miles for Meals, visit www.bensmilesformeals.com or to donate £10 towards the FareShare charity, text BEN to 70490.

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