Sheringham window cleaner to run half-marathon to help people with cancer

A window cleaner and a builder have decided to raise money for those affected by cancer – to say thank you for a winter cup of tea.

Ben Lucking, 30, has been keeping the glass clean at Cromer's Big C charity shop for 18 months, along with 50 of the town's other businesses.

Now he and his friend George Edge, 27, a builder, have decided to put on their running shoes for the charity.

Mr Lucking, who lives in Sheringham, said he wanted to help shop manager Wendy Brown.

He said: 'It was George's idea to do something active, but since we decided I came up with the idea of raising money for charity. Wendy is doing a fantastic job in the shop. I just wanted to contribute.'

The pair are aiming to run the Beccles half marathon in April.

The two friends, who met when they both attended Sheringham Primary School, have stepped up training for the 13-mile run.

Mr Lucking said: 'We have been finding it very difficult. I didn't do much running before. We are on eight miles at the moment and will be at 11 miles the week before the run.'

Mrs Brown, 59, said she has come to know Mr Lucking on his fortnightly visits to the shop.

She said: 'He is such a kind person, he cleans all the signs at a very reasonable rate as we are a charity.

'Over time I saw him and I would say 'come in for a cup of tea and a warm up'.

'He suddenly stopped me one day and said 'I think I should raise money for the Big C because I like you'.'

The Big C is a Norfolk and Waveney charity which aims to support cancer patients close to their home.

To sponsor Mr Lucking and Mr Edge, drop donations into the Big C charity shop in Church Street, Cromer, next to the town museum.

Have you got an interesting charity event? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk