Prestonians and well-wishers are being invited to pay their tributes to inspirational Ben Ashworth.
The 38-year-old passed away on Sunday (2 July) surrounded by friends and family after a five-year battle with bowel cancer.
His family is now inviting all those who knew him or who were inspired by him to celebrate Ben’s life.
During his chemotherapy Ben ran dozens of marathons and raised thousands of pounds for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.
His wife Louise and close friends are working with Blackburn Cathedral to host the open evening service for Ben.
Louise said: “We are delighted to be able to hold an open invitation service for all our friends and supporters who wish to pay their respects to Ben.
“We hope this will be a time of joy, remembrance and reflection. We are overwhelmed with everyone’s support and hope we can carry him forward in our lives through hugs and selfies.
“A massive thank you the team at the Cathedral for making this possible. You have been amazing. There will be a collection for The Cathedral at the service.
“Club runners are invited to wear their club kit.”
It’s expected to be attended by a number of TV and radio personalities who supported Ben in his fundraising mission.
Among those who have paid tribute include fellow bowel cancer charity campaigner presenter of The Wright Stuff Matthew Wright.
All are welcome to the service at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday 15 July from 5.30pm. A Facebook event has been set up for people to confirm if they can attend.
Read more: Touching tributes pour in to Ben Ashworth
A campaign, backed by Blog Preston, has seen nearly 3,000 signatures calling on Preston City Council to name a stretch of the Guild Wheel after Ben.
The city council has already moved to make Ben a ‘Friend of the City’, a certificate confirming this was given to him shortly before his death.
Thousands of messages of love, memories and support have been left on the Facebook page used by Ben to update on his treatments.
Ben is also to be remembered at an event in London – the Big Hug picnic organised by Dafydd Farr-Jones, a fellow bowel cancer campaigner, on Saturday 5 August.
You can donate in Ben’s memory via his fundraising page.
Did you know Ben? You can leave your tributes in the comments below