Ben takes on epic John O'Groats to Land's End Triathlon Challenge in memory of his niece
Epic charity challenge for Sophie’s Legacy
A Stubbington man will take on one of the UK's most demanding endurance challenges this September as he travels the length of Great Britain in memory of his niece, Sophie Fairall, while raising vital funds for Sophie's Legacy.
Ben Tatman, Sophie's uncle, will embark on a 10-day John O'Groats to Land's End (JOGLE) Triathlon Challenge in September. He finishes this challenge on the anniversary of Sophies Death. The challenge will see him cycle hundreds of miles from the northern most tip of mainland Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall, while also swimming the entire length of Loch Tay along the way.
The challenge has been organised to honour Sophie's memory and support the work of Sophie's Legacy, the charity founded following the Portsmouth youngster’s death in 2021 at the age of 10 after a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Sophie's experience in hospital inspired a series of wishes aimed at improving the lives of children and families facing hospital stays. Those wishes became Sophie's Legacy, which now provides practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of families across the South of England.
Over ten days, Ben will travel through Scotland, England and Cornwall, visiting fire stations across the country that have generously offered support for the challenge where he hopes to raise £25,000.
One of the most demanding elements of the journey will take place on Friday, September 11 when Ben will enter the water at Kenmore and swim the length of Loch Tay, supported by a safety boat throughout the swim before continuing his journey south.
Ben said: “On the 9th September 2026 I am taking on my toughest challenge yet. I will be completing a 'triathlon' from John O'Groats to Lands End, covering over 1,600 kilometres swimming, cycling and running over the course of 10 days, finishing on the 18th September 2026 which marks five years since Sophie died.
“Sophie was a very special young girl who sadly passed away at the age of 10 following a year long battle with a rare form of childhood cancer. She was also my niece.
“There is not a day that goes by that Sophie doesn't enter our thoughts as a family. Her bright personality, infectious smile and altruistic nature set her apart from everyone else.
“I know that Sophie will give me the strength, motivation and determination to succeed. Sophie suffered more pain in her last year than most would in a lifetime. It's only fitting that I go through a little pain to raise money and awareness for Sophie's Legacy to continue to providing help and support to those in need.”
The route will take Ben from John O'Groats through Invergordon, Aberfeldy, Killin, Lockerbie, Preston, Ludlow, Bridgwater, Padstow, Camborne and finally Land's End.
Supporters will be able to follow Ben's progress throughout the challenge on Sophie's Legacy's social media channels, with regular updates from the road and water.
Funds raised will help Sophie's Legacy continue providing food support, family support workers, parent packs, transport assistance, hospital activities and practical support to families facing some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
To support Ben's challenge or find out more about Sophie's Legacy, visit www.sophieslegacy.org.uk. Instagram – joggle_triathlon and Just Giving at www.justgiving.com/page/ben-tatman-jogle-triathlon
JOGLE Triathlon Challenge:
• Start: John O'Groats – 9 September 2026
• Swim: Length of Loch Tay – 11 September 2026
• Finish: Land's End – 18 September 2026
• Duration: 10 days