Halifax dad completes latest extreme challenge in Greece

The challenge faced an unexpected hurdle on Friday when official approval was delayed just as Ben was boarding his flight, when he received an unexpected email and official letter from the local archaeology department.

The notice informed him that, because the stadium is a protected site under the Ministry of Culture, his extreme challenge had not yet received official approval.

Faced with the devastating news that his year-long training and mission to honour his stillborn daughter, Kallipateira, was hanging in the balance, Ben enlisting the urgent help of Rhodes lawyer and close friend Yiannis Flevaris.

Following a frantic, full-day effort on Saturday after meeting with Ben, Mr Flevaris successfully navigated the local channels to secure the official green light with less than 24 hours to spare.

With full official backing secured, Ben stepped onto the historic track at Monte Smith at 7am on Sunday.

Pushing through relentless summer temperatures and with no shade, he crossed his final finish line at 6.30pm, completing the 260 symbolic lengths in 11-and-a-half hours with just 20 minutes of total rest.

The 260 lengths represent the October 26 birthday of his daughter, Kallipateira Rodothea Moorhouse, who was tragically stillborn in 2018. Kallipateira’s death was preventable.

The venue holds extra significance for Ben; the name Kallipateira originates from the ancient Olympic games, and the Temple of Apollon – the name of his and partner Gaynor’s son – directly overlooks the stadium.

"The stadium gave me great energy and strength through the day. I could hear the voices and support from the ancient athletes from many years ago,” Ben said.

The extreme challenge was symbolic and a message of spirit, love, and hope.

"It was very emotional also doing the 53rd length in honour of my friend Lawrence Mann who died this year. I was so focused and determined that I didn't even notice the extreme heat. I just did what I had to do.

"During the day I only had 20 minutes actual rest time and paced myself as needed hour by hour. It was another proud day in Rhodes, and I hope this is a little bit of history in the stadium for Kallipateira's legacy."

The funds raised from this extreme challenge will directly support Professor Alexander Heazell and his world-class team at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre in Manchester, funding the pioneering science that prevents stillbirths and saves babies' lives.

Donations can still be made directly via www.justgiving.com/page/kmf2026.