In 2023, my cousin Ben and I spent time together in Thailand while we were both travelling. It was such a special time that I will always be grateful for. Only a few weeks later, Ben tragically lost his life while backpacking in Laos.
The memories we shared during that time mean so much to me, and they are something I will carry with me forever.
In July, I will be running the Gold Coast Marathon in Ben’s memory while raising funds to support children in Thailand.
Hands Across the Water supports more than 350 children living across seven homes and community projects in Thailand. The charity was founded to provide care for children who did not have access to life’s basic necessities — a safe home, food, clothing and medical support. As the children have grown, the focus has expanded to include education and opportunities that help them build independent and meaningful futures.
In Ben’s memory, the money raised will go directly towards supporting a specific child living in one of Hands Across the Water’s homes. Your donation will help provide them with a safe place to live, access to education, and the care and opportunities they need to grow up healthy, happy and hopeful about their future.
Thank you for helping me honour Ben’s memory while making a meaningful difference in a child’s life in a place that means a lot to me and my family.
Event Information
Thank you to my Sponsors
$943
Christopher And Beryl Mosley
$261
Andrew And Julia
Very proud of you Sal. We are sure you will smash it! 26.1 miles . Awesome. Lots of love Dad and Julia xxx
$215
Paul Tasker
All the best on Sunday Sally!
$174.08
Jon And Jo
What an amazing thing to do in Ben’s memory! X
$132.65
Will Comley
Well done Sal! What a great cause!
$106.12
Jen Jen
A marathon of love in memory of gorgeous Ben - amazing charity that gives a future to a child who really needs it in memory of Ben - good luck with the training x Love Mum
$106.12
Christian Green
Best of luck Sal this is amazing - super proud of you xxx
$106.12
Jenny And Bill Green
Good luck Sal with this amazing challenge Lots of love, Bill and Jenny xx
$106.12
Sarah Mosley
So proud of you for doing this tough task! Keep our lovely Ben in your thoughts and he will be with you every step. Sending love and hugs xx
$100
Jemma & Rob
So proud of you!!
$100
Matta Team
Best of luck from everyone here at MATTA!
$88.10
Alexandra Kelly
Run sally run! Lovveee tiny
$87.57
Jen Tomkins
Sal you’re an inspiration, and what you’re doing shows so much love, courage and spirit. Good luck with your training, have faith in every step. Much love xxx
$82
Tom Styles
Lots of love x
$80.96
Connie, Jack And Alvin
Good luck Sally Wally, you’ve got this. Eat some breaded cod, and enjoy the run!!
$80.96
Emma Collins
Go sal! You’re amazing xxx
$75
Dulcie Davies
$70
Dulcie Davies
Go Sally go!
$64.67
Lizzie Xx
proudest sister ever, amazing charity in memory of an amazing cousin - loveyou loads sal xxx
$63.23
Fiona Mackenzie
Go Sal, Go!
$56
Tw
Go Sal! 💛
$55
Ella Mackay
Amazing cause and such a beautiful fundraiser ❤️
$54.84
Anonymous
Peaches woohoo
$54.84
Tash
You’ve got this!! That’s my pal
$54.84
Elliot
Smashed it!!!
$54.84
Cali & Aaron Xxxx
$54.84
William
Good luck Sal! Amazing that you are doing this!
$54.84
Zoë Rackham
Good luck Sal, you’ll absolutely smash it!!! Xxx
$54.84
Mark Hutchinson
💛
$54.84
Gabriella Hay
$54.84
Florie Starkings
$54.84
Jenny Gunn
$54.84
Ellie Fisher
we love you lots!
$54.84
Zoë Rackham
Raffle tickets LFGGGGGG
$54.84
Cal Goldthorp
You’re a legend
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.12
B
Proud of you Sal xxx
$54.12
Meabh Mcaleavey
You’re going to smash it!
$54.12
James
Good luck!
$53.16
Jemima
You’re amazing Sal - well done!
$52.92
Laura
Proud of you Sal, an amazing cause in honour of Ben. Best of luck, you will do amazing!! Lots of love xx
$50
Ben Burrows
Good luck Sal, love from Ben and Evie
$50
Fi
Go Sal go (please pick me in the raffle)
$50
Mccann
Ticketssss Lesh win some
$44.71
Aaron Edwards
loved the event and quiz night - great send off for Ben
$44.71
Niamh Mccann
$43.60
Jasmine
$42
Matt Hunt
Slaaaaaaay Kweeeeeeen 👸
$40
Haz
WE LOVE YOU
$40
Thomas Styles
Half the golf raffle!
$40
Sal
Raffle
$40
Yas And Tom
Biggest congrats Sal from both of us!!!🎉
$37.15
Emma Mackie
Well done Sally sending you lots of love. This is a fantastic cause super proud of you.
$37.15
Rachel
Sally girl you are amazing!!! I’m so so so proud of you ❤️❤️
$37.15
Sam (christy’s Sister!) & Ben
I am just so pleased you’re better at running than Christy. Good luck with your race! X
$37.15
Anonymous
$37.15
Billy
$33.87
George & Tom X
Happy birthday xx
$33.87
Will Bull
$33.87
James Geaves
$33.87
Anna Kelly
$33.87
Joseph Hanlon
$33.87
Harry Ingamells
$28.43
Florie Starkings
$28.43
Matt Tolley
Best of luck Sal!!
$28.43
Kate Woffinden
Good luck Sally! You’re absolutely smash it!
$28.43
Sarag Gao
$28.43
William B
$28.43
James Geaves
$28.43
Lara Pecora
$28.43
Joseph Hanlon
$27.83
Caity Carey
$25
Harriet Neale
$25
Jaz Kutassy
$25
Niall Flanagan
$25
Renee Horwitz
Amazing, well done! He would be so proud, I look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser event🥰
$25
Joe
$23.50
Shane O Donovan
$23.50
Daniel Lord
Take Greeny on some training runs
$23.50
Liz
❤️❤️❤️❤️PROUD OF U
$23.50
Nicholas Partridge
❤️❤️
$23.50
Anna Kelly
$23.50
Sarah Gao
$23.50
Lara Pecora
$23.50
Inga Neilsen
$23.50
Tom Styles
Raffle tickets
$23.50
Anonymous
Raffle ticket x2
$22.58
Liv K
Good luck Sally!
$22.58
Deborah Bowen
Happy to donate to such a good cause.
$22.58
Sophie Harrison
$17.66
Katie Bowen
So so proud of you, cheering you on from England!
$16
Anonymous
$15
Chloe Matheson
you’re going to smash it go girlll
$11.80
Julie
Fantastic Sally. Sending lots of love and best wishes xx
$11.80
Sarah Gao
$11.80
Kate Woffinden
$11.80
Caity Carey
$11.80
Evangeline Mccowage
$11.56
Caity Carey
$10
Ben Burrows
$10
Congratulations Sally Well done. Lots of love Granny and Grandad xxx