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
ANGIE HYNDS (TRUSTEE)
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
Ellemay Beeston (TRUSTEE)
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
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
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
Linda is an integral part of the Spare 10 For Ben family, bringing compassion, dedication and a genuine passion for helping others to everything she does. As a proud wife and daughter of veterans, Linda has a personal understanding of the experiences, challenges and sacrifices that can affect serving personnel, veterans and their families. Her husband, Scott, served 12 years in the Armed Forces, while her parents also dedicated a significant combined period of their lives to military service. This family connection is something Linda is incredibly proud of and helps shape her understanding of the importance of community, connection and support.
At Spare 10 For Ben, Linda plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our service users. She delivers a range of complementary wellbeing therapies, including Auricular Ear Seeding, Reiki and Indian Head Massage, offering people a safe, welcoming space to relax, talk and take time for themselves. She also supports individuals with practical challenges such as debt, housing, food poverty, and a host of other issues, recognising that wellbeing is about much more than what happens during an appointment.
Linda's approach is warm, understanding and person-centred. She recognises that everyone has their own story and challenges, and she works hard to ensure that the people who come through our doors feel listened to, respected and valued.
Alongside her direct work with service users, Linda supports the wider running of the charity, helping us continue to deliver meaningful support within our community, Her commitment, developing skills and the relationships she builds with those we support make her an invaluable member of the team.
At Spare 10 For Ben, we believe that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Linda embodies that belief every day, helping us create a place where nobody has to face life's challenges alone.
#SPARE10FORBEN
Zara Hall (Community Wellbeing & Engagement Assistant)
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
LINDA BATES (Holistic Wellbeing & Community Practitioner)
Zara is a much-loved and highly valued member of the Spare 10 For Ben team, whose journey with us began almost 2 years ago when she joined us as a volunteer through her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
What started as part of her award quickly became something much more. Zara chose to continue giving her time freely, long after completing her volunteering commitment, showing the compassion, dedication and genuine passion for helping others that make her such a special part of our charity. She has built some wonderful relationships with our service users, who have truly taken her into their hearts.
When funding became available (courtesy of our friends at Point North,) offering Zara a part-time role felt like a natural next step. Alongside her work with us, Zara is currently studying a range of subjects, including Psychology and Biology, subjects that complement her interest in people, wellbeing and mental health.
from supporting our activities and community events, to helping with the day-to-day running of the charity, Zara brings warmth, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to everything she does.
We are incredibly proud to see Zara grow from a dedicated volunteer into a member of our team and are delighted that she continues to be part of the Spare 10 For Ben family, helping us make a difference in our community.