Ben Ashworth petition for Guild Wheel naming handed in

Cllr Peter Rankin, Leader of PCC; Mrs Ashworth (Ben’s mum); Louise Ashworth and three daughters; Graham Dixon who set up the petition. — Cllr Peter Rankin, Leader of PCC; Mrs Porter (Ben’s mum); Louise Ashworth and three daughters; Graham Dixon who set up the petition.

Calls for a section of Preston’s Guild Wheel to be named after an inspiration marathon runner will be discussed by councillors.

More than 3,000 people signed the petition to Preston City Council calling for a permanent memorial to Ben Ashworth following his death in early July.

Ben, 38, was diagnosed with bowel cancer and ran dozens of marathons during his five-years of chemotherapy and treatment.

One of Ben’s favourite places to train was along the Ribble and Broadgate, near his home.

He also ran the Guild Wheel countless times – including twice in one day.

Ben Ashworth and his wife Louise are organising the Santa Dash — Ben Ashworth and his wife Louise

The city council agreed to receive the online petition, despite it not following the usual convention for petitions which could trigger a discussion at a full council meeting.

Ben’s widow, Louise Ashworth, and his three children, were present as the petition was handed to the leader of the city council Peter Rankin by petition founder Graham Dixon.

Mr Drixon was inspired to set up the petition, backed by Blog Preston, in the hours following the announcement of Ben’s passing – and he set up the online petition.

Ben was remembered on Saturday (15 July) with more than 600 people joining Louise and family at Blackburn Cathedral to mark Ben’s remarkable achievements and celebrate his life.