• Ben is journeying more than 750km on foot from Adelaide to Melbourne, to prove that recovery from alcohol dependence is possible for anyone, and to raise vital funds for Windana, the service that helped save his life. You can read more about Ben here, and about Windana and the challenge here.

  • All proceeds from donations and fundraising for Ben’s Run for Recovery go to Windana, to help create meaningful and lasting change for people and communities impacted by alcohol and other drugs. Proceeds raised will help Windana provide access to the services people need, when and where they need them. This includes helping people navigate their recovery from substance use, whether that’s accessing Windana’s detox, rehab, or community services like counselling or support groups, so other people looking for help don’t face the same barriers as Ben. You can read more about Windana’s services and the challenge here.

  • As a Registered Charity within the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), Windana is a Deductible Gift Recipient. To ensure your donation is tax-deductible, a minimum donation amount of AUD$2 or more applies.

  • Absolutely. Whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, organising a workplace activity, making a donation or helping spread the word, every contribution makes a difference. If you’re interested in fundraising, please get in touch with communications@windana.org.au

  • You can keep up with Ben’s progress by following his Instagram page:  

    @bensrunforrecovery 

    Or Windana’s Instagram page:  

    @windana.org.au 

  • Yes! If you’re interested in attending any parts of the run, or joining Ben at any point, please email communications@windana.org.au. Please note that while Ben welcomes the involvement of other runners, he will be undertaking an extremely physically demanding challenge over multiple days. There may be times when he needs to remain focused on the run itself. 

  • Absolutely. Ben’s Run for Recovery is a community-driven initiative, and we welcome support from businesses, community groups and organisations along the route. There are many ways to get involved, including helping spread awareness, hosting a fundraiser, donating or showing support online.  

    If your organisation would like to get involved, please contact the team by using the form below or emailing communications@windana.org.au.

  • One of the biggest ways people can support Ben’s Run for Recovery is by helping share the message. You can follow the journey on social media, share posts and updates with your networks, talk about the fundraiser within your community or workplace, and encourage others to learn more about alcohol and other drug treatment and recovery. 

  • Ben has been undertaking a strict training program in the lead-up to the run, including long-distance running, strength and recovery work to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.  

    He has also been working closely with health professionals, including regularly visiting his GP and physiotherapist to help monitor his health, manage recovery and prepare as safely as possible for the demands of this run.  

    During the run, the team will have planned stops and access to local health services along the route, including nearby hospitals and physiotherapy clinics if support is needed. Windana has also provided mental health and wellbeing support for Ben. 

  • Ben’s safety will remain the priority throughout the run. If any injuries or health concerns arise, the team will assess the situation carefully and make decisions based on medical advice and Ben’s wellbeing, including adjusting, pausing or postponing the run if necessary. 

  • Ben’s Run for Recovery will continue in most weather conditions, including rain. However, the safety and wellbeing of Ben and the support team will always come first. Conditions will be monitored throughout the run, and if severe weather or unsafe conditions arise, the team will assess the situation carefully and make any necessary adjustments to the route or schedule.

  • You can keep up with any route or timing changes via @BensRunforRecovery or @windana.org.au on Instagram.