Ben vows to beat Marathon pain barrier for Sheringham based charity

A back injury from a snowboarding accident 10 weeks ago has shredded big-hearted Ben Conway’s training regime in preparation for his Virgin London Marathon debut on Sunday (13 April).

But the 32-year-old trainee dispensing optician from Norwich-based Dipple and Conway – the family optometry firm started by his great-grandfather in 1916 – is not going to let the setback stop him raising money for Sheringham-based charity Break.

“It’s going to be tough but I am determined to do it,” vowed Ben. He hopes to raise £2,000 via his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Ben-Conway2 where he admits: ‘I do not like running, nor does it like me.’

“Friends, family and Dipple & Conway colleagues have promised to sponsor me, so it’s a matter of pride now,” he said…even though his original target is definitely out of the window.

“My brother Edmund ran the London Marathon in 3 hours 41 minutes two years ago. When I first agreed to run it I was determined to beat him and had big training plans,” said Ben. “Instead my preparation has been limited to three 45-minute treadmill sessions in the gym.”

Although this will be Ben’s first marathon, he draws “mild comfort” from having completed two Norwich half-marathons without having done any serious training. He also plays football and enjoys cycling.

Ben suffered a prolapsed vertebra in his back during a snowboarding accident at Les Menuires in the French Alps in late January. He had to be taken down the mountain to hospital by snowmobile.

The London Marathon became a fixture on the Dipple & Conway calendar two years ago when Ben’s brother Edmund ran it with their father Damian – describing it as “one of the best things I have done in my life.” Last year Ben’s uncle, James Conway, completed the epic run.

“Dipple & Conway is committed to supporting Break. Every year at least one of us plans to run in the London Marathon,” said Ben, who will have the backing of several friends and family members along the route.

“Peer pressure dictated that it was my turn this year. I am determined not to let anyone down. I just need to finish, even if it takes me seven hours.”

To support Ben in his courageous attempt to boost Break go to www.justgiving.com/Ben-Conway2

Centre Ben Conway is running the Virgin London Marathon for Sheringham-based charity, Break. Pictured with his father, Dipple & Conway director Damian Conway and dispensing assistant Laura Blake.
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