Ben Ashworth petition successful in Guild Wheel naming call

Ben Ashworth's favourite training route was along the River Ribble — Ben Ashworth’s favourite training route was along the River Ribble

A petition calling on part of a popular cycling and running route to be named after an inspiration Prestonian has been successful.

Ben Ashworth, who died after a five year battle with bowel cancer, regularly trained for his marathon runs on the Guild Wheel.

Friends of Ben, backed by Blog Preston, launched a petition calling on Preston City Council to name a section of the Wheel – along Broadgate where Ben lived – after the runner.

Councillors were told during a full council meeting on Thursday (24 August) the plans for acknowledging the wishes of the petition had moved forward.

Leader of the city council councillor Peter Rankin said the section of the Wheel would be formally named after Ben Ashworth on the first anniversary of his death.

He said: “I am pleased to say that we are working with Louise, Ben Ashworth’s wife, to dedicate a portion of the Guild Wheel to the memory of Ben.

“We intend to time this dedication with the anniversary of his death, in July 2018.”

Graham Dixon, who set up the petition, signed by more than 3,000 people, said on hearing the decision: “That’s fantastic – well done Preston Council.”

Ben’s wife Louise posted an emotional message on her blog on Thursday evening following the confirmation of the naming of the Ben Ashworth Way.

In it she outlines what she sees as the ‘Ben Ashworth Way’, and the way Ben conducted himself throughout his cancer treatment.