Tragically, Ben's brother Adam lost his battle with depression last year. During Adam's struggles, the Samaritans charity provided invaluable and unwavering support not only for Adam but also for the Vasquez family. The London Marathon provided an ideal opportunity for Ben to raise some much needed funds for the charity that offered his brother a lifeline in his hour of need.
“During my brother's illness, we all became very aware that depression is indiscriminate and it can strike anyone at any time with devastating consequences,” Mr Vasquez explained. “The Samaritans offered Adam a great deal of support and comfort so I thought it was only right to try and raise funds to help them continue their extraordinary work.
“Two of Adam's passions were cricket and keeping fit so last August we organised a cricket match between our local team and his old Warwick University team which raised £3,500 for the Samaritans,” he continued. “The London Marathon was more personal though – this time I felt I had to do something by myself in memory of Adam and try and help others who are enduring the nightmare that he went through.”
Mr Vasquez completed the gruelling 26 miles run in four hours, four seconds – just outside his target of under four hours by the smallest of margins. In total he has raised an impressive £5,200 for the Samaritans charity.
“This was my first London Marathon and I really can't be too disappointed with my performance despite just missing out on my target time,” he reflected. “It was absolutely amazing to be involved in an event that's part of the national sporting calendar. The atmosphere running through the streets of London was immense and the sense of achievement when crossing the finish line was like nothing else I've ever experienced. I'll certainly be attempting it again in the future.”
Mr Vasquez is keen to personally thank a number of companies that supported and sponsored him in his endeavours. “I received fantastic support from our machine tool suppliers DMG/Mori Seiki, Leader CNC, all the staff at Citizen/Miyano UK and Star GB, as well as WNT, Tooling Services and CIS and a whole host of others across the industry.
“Special thanks however must go to all the staff at Addmore Engineering who have not only raised nearly £1,000 between them, but have also offered a great deal of support to the Vasquez family during the difficult times we endured last year.”
Addmore Engineering
www.addmoreengineering.co.uk
