MEET THE TEAM
Claire Dale (CO-FOUNDER/CHAIR)
This photo was taken on the 13th August 2016 at Ben's passing out party which we held at our local pub, The Half Moon. Ben was a Trooper with The Light Dragoons after joining Harrogate AFC at the tender age of 16.
Ben was a popular lad and so the party was packed with family and friends. I can recall Ben laughing at me at the beginning of the night when he noticed that I had bought a variety of glow in the dark props. "It's not my bloody 5th birthday party Mam" he said, yet come the end of the night, Ben, us, his family and friends were all wearing them!
Ben wasn't much of a drinker, he preferred being out and about with his mates and I would often receive a photo or video of him jumping into rivers and off the top of waterfalls. I would berate him afterwards for worrying me and Ben would laugh it off with his typical nonchalance and wit.
I remember Ben and I sitting outside one sunny Saturday, as we watched people completing parachute jumps at a local airfield. At that time he had recently completed his first and subsequent jumps. "I was shi**ing myself the first time Mam, but couldn't wait to get back up and do it again and again!".
That was my son, fearless, daring and brave. I wish he knew just how brave he could be and that he had used that strength when he needed it the most.
One of the many, many questions I asked myself when we found out Ben was gone included, "what do I say when people ask me how many children I have?" Of course I know the answer to that question, I have 3 children. My disorientated, grief stricken mind was simply struggling to comprehend what was happening. There continues to be so many questions, some of which will never be answered. The one person who we need to help us fill in the blanks is sadly no longer with us.
My entire network of family and friends have been extremely supportive since that horrendous, life changing day. I wouldn't have 'made' it this far without them by my side. They have my eternal respect and gratitude for all they have and continue to do for me.
My "rock" thoughout this ordeal has turned out to be my eldest son, Liam. His courage, drive and passion have amazed and astounded me. When did our roles reverse and he became a parent to me? I also need to give credit to Ben's younger brother, Josh, who has demonstrated a level of maturity way ahead of his 16 years. I lost my brother when I was 15 years old, he was 7 and was killed by running into the path of an oncoming car. I certainly didn't handle my brother's death with the dignity that Josh has, I take my hat off to him.
- Ben is loved and missed by so many.His friends have and continue to pay tribute to Ben in so many ways. They have at times taken my breath away with their actions and I love each and everyone of them for that. Ben will continue to live on through his family and friends, he will never be forgotten and spoken of always.
Liam Healy (CO-FOUNDER/ TRUSTEE)
Ben had a sarcastic sense of humour and loved a good laugh - that's how I'm always going to remember Ben for the rest of my life.
I helped start this charity with my Mam for the soul purpose of keeping Ben's laughter of life going and hopefully it can inspire someone else in theirs. We hope that by helping just even one person with their mental health, that we can prevent another family from facing the devastating heartbreak that us, Ben's family and friends, have endured.
Please help us remember Ben and in doing so, helping others by spreading this message.
#SPARE10FORBEN
Ellemay Beeston (TRUSTEE)
Ellemay Beeston (TRUSTEE)
Ellemay's appointment as Trustee for Spare 10 For Ben is particularly special as Ellemay was a close friend of Ben's who also joined the Army Foundation Training College at Harrogate the very same day as Ben.
A local girl with a deep passion for mental health support, for both veterans and civilians, Ellemay has been with us since the very beginning of the charity's journey. Her unwavering support and dedication to our cause have made her an invaluable part of our team. Asking her to step into a trustee role was an easy decision - one we know Ben would have wholeheartedly supported and been incredibly proud of.
Ellemay's background as an Army medic, coupled with her current work as as a self-employed medic in the offshore industry, brings valuable experience and insight to our team. She is committed to helping Spare 10 For Ben grow, ensuring that we continue to provide essential support to those in need.
#SPARE10FORBEN
ANGIE HYNDS (TRUSTEE)
LINDA BATES (COMMUNTITY AND CHARITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR)
Ellemay Beeston (TRUSTEE)
Angie became a Trustee for Spare 10 For Ben, shortly after it's inception. Angie comes from a military background, and since leaving the army, has worked extensively within the judicial and addiction sectors.
#SPARE10FORBEN registered Reiki Practitioner, as well as a qualified Walk Leader through Durham County Council's Walk Leader Scheme. Angie is a proud advocate of Spare 10 For Ben and talks to
everyone she meets about the work that charity carries out!
#SPARE10FORBEN
LINDA BATES (COMMUNTITY AND CHARITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR)
LINDA BATES (COMMUNTITY AND CHARITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR)
LINDA BATES (COMMUNTITY AND CHARITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR)
Linda has previously worked alongside Claire and Angie in supporting vulnerable members of our local community. Linda is a proud wife and daughter of veterans, with her husband Scott having served 12 years and her parents her serving for a number of combined years.
Linda joined Spare 10 For Ben initially as a volunteer, with it quickly becoming apparent that the charity relied upon her skills and knowledge more often than not and so thanks to funding and fundraising we were able to offer Linda a paid role. She has and continues to be a huge asset to the charity.
#SPARE10FORBEN