Tributes being paid to Preston marathon man who has died

Ben Ashworth captured the hearts of thousands by running 24 marathons after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Published 3rd Jul 2017

Tributes are pouring in for a Preston man who defied the odds and beat cancer for years by running marathons.

Dad of three Ben Ashworth was told he had months to live - five years ago - after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

But instead of giving up he ran race after race to raise money and awareness.

The 38-year-old sadly passed away at the weekend.

Ben captured the hearts of thousands who followed his fundraising blog "Ben's Bowel Movements" as he completed the extraordinary challenge of running 24 marathons in 24 months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

His wife Louise has paid tribute to him on Facebook:

Now, a petition's been launched to name a section of the Guild Wheel where he used to train - after him.

The petition's nearing the two-thousand signatures needed for it to be discussed by Preston City Council.

You can find the petition here