By Amy Pollock
AFTER tackling the Belfast City Half Marathon, a Bangor businessman will once again hit the road this weekend in aid of a Newtownards facility that provides ‘incredible care’ to his boxer dad.
Benjamin Close, who owns the hairdressers on Balloo Drive of the same name, will run a further 10k this Saturday in support of Phoenix Clinic and Resource Centre in Newtownards, which he said provides ‘miracle work’ to his dad, retired professional boxer Ray Close, following a traumatic brain injury due to the sport.
Former boxing champion Ray fought Chris Eubank twice for the world title, but before his third crack at Eubank and his title, Ray failed a routine MRI scan and the British Boxing Board of Control revoked his licence.
Almost two years ago, Ray became a resident at the Phoenix Clinic, which is the only nursing home in Northern Ireland providing specialist care for people aged 18 to 65 with a physical disability, Ben said it has ‘changed the lives’ of his family, with the team caring for his dad with ‘genuine love, patience and professionalism’.
“The Phoenix Clinic is incredibly close to my family’s heart – my dad is currently a resident there after suffering a traumatic brain injury as a result of his own amazing career as a professional boxer – but seeing the care and compassion he receives every day has completely changed our lives,” said Ben.
Despite never being interested in physical fitness previously, Ben took up running six months ago after being challenged by his nephew, Lewis Close, who said he would run the Belfast Half Marathon alongside him if he accepted.
“What began as a bit of a joke between us quickly turned into something much bigger,” said Ben.
He said the Phoenix Clinic’s care was what gave him the motivation to ‘do something meaningful in return’, and it soon became his mission to raise funds to facilitate extra activities so the residents can enjoy ‘enriched days full of fun and stimulation’.
Ben has raised £3,800 of his £4,000 target, which will go towards a new interactive activity board for the residents at Phoenix.
Linda Close, Ben’s mother, said she is ‘so proud’ of both her son and grandson; she said: “It’s just amazing what they have achieved and how well they’ve done.
“The home is a great wee place for the residents. We were very lucky and blessed to be able to find that home for my husband as he is being so well looked after and has come on leaps and bounds. But it needs the funding and this will certainly help.”
Ben described the half marathon as ‘one of the hardest things’ he has ever done – both physically and emotionally.
“Thinking about my dad and the support he gets at Phoenix was all the motivation I needed to keep going,” he said.
With only six days between the half marathon and his next race, the Seaton Classic 10k, Ben said he has officially caught the running bug as he looks forward to more challenges.
“Now, as I look ahead to this weekend’s 10k, I feel emotional but excited. So much so that I’ve booked a few more running races for next year, including the full Belfast marathon in May.
“But every step I take feels like a way of saying thank you to all the amazing staff and helping make life a little brighter for other residents and families like mine.” To make a donation, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/support-ben-as-he-goes-from-cake-to-conqueror-for-phoenix.
