TWO tough challenges by recruitment consultant Ben Evans have boosted funds for Claire House children’s hospice by more than £1,000.

Ben, based at Russell Taylor Group’s headquarters in Bromborough, raised more than £400 in sponsorship after completing the Chester Marathon - only a matter of weeks after swimming the full length of Lake Windermere, an 11-mile challenge that brought in £630 for the hospice, the company’s charity of the year.

Ben (picture left) completed the marathon, accompanied by his brother Thomas, in a time of three hours 34 minutes.

He said: “The last six miles were a real struggle, both physically and mentally, but I’m happy to say we did it.

“The support from the crowd was amazing and it was great having people cheering everyone on, even coming out of their houses with sweets to give you a much-needed sugar rush.”

A keen runner and swimmer all his life, Ben is also a cyclist and, with Thomas, has competed in triathlon events.

He added: “Completing the marathon and the Windermere swim were both amazing achievements for me and a chance to support Claire House and the work it does for seriously and terminally ill children and their families.”