Ben and I became friends in Primary school when he moved to suburbia from London for a short time. He was always a loyal friend to me and I have so many happy memories of our childhood and beyond.
Ben was streetwise and his confidence meant that as a kid he was perceived to be older than his years. He and I used this to our advantage a lot when we were growing up and relished the results it brought us. I have a fond memory of us fooling the doormen at the local nightclub and getting into an over 18s event at the age of 13. We didn’t have any money for drinks once inside but that didn’t matter - we were buzzing with excitement and party’d like we belonged - we felt like kings!
I feel privileged to have known Ben and am so incredibly grateful for the times we shared and for the memories that I have. I will cherish these forever.
Ben was fun to be around and had an amazing energy about him that was infectious. People gravitated towards him because of this. He was a loveable guy with a huge heart and he always looked out for his friends. The respect he showed others earned him respect in return.
These traits were in his blood and stayed with him throughout. Ben was there for me at the most pivotal and memorable points of my life. He stepped up when it mattered and will always remain in my memory as a friend that I could rely on.
Ben you’ll be in my heart and mind forever and I will miss you dearly my old friend. See you on the other side brother…