Ben Ashworth section of the Guild Wheel to be unveiled

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

A year on from his death a section of a Preston man’s favourite running route is to be named in his honour.

Prestonians are being invited to don their running gear and join a 2.5km dash in honour of Ben Ashworth.

Ben, who died aged 38, was a tireless campaigner for raising awareness of bowel cancer.

Given just months to live he went on to run marathons and much more during the years since his diagnosis.

Lancashire County Council agreed to name a section of the Guild Wheel, a route Ben ran many times, after Ben following a petition.

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

The stretch is 2.5km from the entrance to Miller Park by the Continental going towards the Docks – running alongside the River Ribble.

Ben’s widow, Louise Ashworth, says there is an event planned at the Continental after the unveiling, on Sunday 1 July from 1pm, of the Ben Ashworth section.

Cabinet member for envionrment at Preston City Council councillor Brian Rollo said: “Ben was a wonderful Prestonian. It is our pleasure to dedicate part of the Guild Wheel to Ben – we are proud to honour his memory in this way, and look forward, with his family and friends, to the grand unveiling 1 July.”

All proceeds from the Conti event, which is to include music and food, will go towards the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

A Facebook event has been set up to keep people informed of the event.