Son of Lions rugby legend to take on epic Peaks challenge

Lloyd Bentley 30, of Mirfield, was struck down last year with chest pains and breathing difficulties which was eventually diagnosed as an allergy – to paint!

Former rugby player Lloyd had been working as a decorator at the weekends but when he went self-employed and started working full-time, the fumes caused a severe reaction.

Now fully recovered, Lloyd is counting down to a lung-busting double Three Peaks Challenge which will see him run over Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – and then turn straight back around and run back the other way.

In total the run is 49.4 miles and Lloyd, son of British Lions rugby legend John Bentley, wants to complete it inside 15 hours.

Lloyd admitted: “I think you have to have a bit of a screw loose to do what I’m attempting. However, to run just under 50 miles in under 15 hours is something I really want to say I’ve done.”

Lloyd has the perfect motivation for the challenge, which takes place on May 22. He’s raising money for The Kirkwood, the hospice for Kirklees, in memory of the dad of his best friend.

James Carbutt’s father Chris died of stomach cancer in March 2019 and was cared for by the hospice.

Lloyd’s initial fundraising target was £1,000 but he’s beaten that already and is now aiming for £2,000 instead.

Lloyd will have a team with him on the day and friends may meet up with him to run part of the route and keep him motivated.

“The lads helping me on the day are Stuart and David Dyke, Ben Hardcastle, James Tindall, John Ambrose and my dad. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” he added.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lloyd-bentley.