STAFF from Butlin’s holiday centre in Minehead took part in the South West Coast Challenge in memory of their colleague Ben Lobley, who died last December.

Between them they raised nearly £7,500 for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (GOSH), which is a charity partner of Butlin’s.

Ben had been an avid fund-raiser and attempted a number of challenges to raise money for charity.

So, to honour his memory, a mix of Butlin’s resort team runners and Ben’s friends and family took part in the challenge trek along the South West Coastal Path.

Mark Pheasant, one of Ben’s colleagues, said: “Ben was a great man and often put himself through challenges to raise money for charity, among them GOSH, who he completed a number of challenges for.

Remembering the late Butlin's team member Ben Lobley.
Remembering the late Butlin's team member Ben Lobley. (Butlin's)

“Ben sadly passed away in December last year and a number of us have pledged to try and take on a challenge each year in his memory. This is the first.”

Four Minehead team members completed the 50 km trek, while 17 runners finished the 25 km route, raising a total of £7,498 to date.

Some had only recently started training, but pushed their physical and mental boundaries to the limits to reach the finish line.

Resort director Matt Rake, who took part in the 25 km trek, said: “We are incredibly proud of our team's accomplishment and found it a very fitting way to remember Ben.

Stunning scenery on the South West Coast Path as late Butlin's worker Ben Lobley is remembered.
Stunning scenery on the South West Coast Path as late Butlin's worker Ben Lobley is remembered. (Butlin's)

“He was a real valued member of the team, and he meant a lot to many of us here in Minehead, so we wanted to do something really special to honour his memory.

“Between us we have run over 600 km, but, more importantly, have raised a brilliant amount for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“This was the perfect way to keep Ben’s spirit alive, while contributing to an incredible charity that we are very proud to partner with.”

Butlin’s staff taking part in the 50 km challenge were Craig Goodwin, Levi Owen, Paul French, and Michael Nield.

An ultra challenge was completed by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of the late Ben Lobley.
An ultra challenge was completed by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of the late Ben Lobley. (Butlin's)

Those completing the 25 km with Mr Rake and Mr Pheasant were James Weetch, Dave Ryan, Jo Malone, Chris Cook, Julie Bozicek, Jacky Cox, Andrea Kinces Nemeth, Freddy Hassan, Sean Worral, Tommy Todd, and Hannah Slade.

Members of Ben’s family who took part were Andrea Lobley, Sam Lobley, Matt Lobley, Kirsty Lobley, Paula Morse, John Harris, Leigh Knowles, and Jenny Knowles.

The fund-raising is still live online and donations can be made via the JustGiving page here.