Fitness fundraiser keeps dynamic duo from village near Leighton Buzzard motivated during virus lockdown

Sgt Ben Dimmock and Jack, seven, joined forces for the 100km Walk May Anyway Challenge. They are raising money for NHS Charities Together which supports staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients.

Sgt Dimmock, who works for Bedfordshire Police, said: “I am currently having to self isolate due to being classed as high risk as I was born with one lung.

“This is really hard for me as I want to be at work helping and supporting my colleagues during this very difficult time.

“Working from home seems a novelty to start with, but it soon wears off and the challenges of being stuck at home so much start to take their toll after a while.”

He thought taking part in a challenge would be a good focus for him and his son.

Sgt Dimmock, from Totternhoe, added: “Being at home with no school and the whole change of routine has hugely affected him and he has been struggling to cope on a daily basis. So I decided to do a number of fitness challenges for us both to help keep us focussed and motivated.”

He has described his son as a “little hero” for being so up for the challenge, which they have now completed.

“I could not be more proud of Jack right now,” he said.

“His autism literally takes over his world. His fears and anxiety literally take his enjoyment of day to day life away.

“This little hero has walked miles and miles with me on our lockdown walks. I’ve never seen him like this. He is so motivated by our different challenges.

“This is our longest and toughest challenge yet and it’s doing him the world of good to focus on something other than all the worries and anxiety he faces and battles on a daily basis.”

The dynamic duo have raised more than £2,600, smashing through original £100 target.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-jackdimmock20