Ben was passionate about sport. Cricket, football and tennis were his mainstays, playing for Old Elthamians CC, Ravens Wood School, Ex Blues FC, and Bromley Tennis Club. He also had a wonderful love of music and played the guitar.
Most recently he had embarked on the pathway to be a sports coach, becoming a Young Leader in Cricket with plans to do his Level 1 coaching qualification. Ben represented Old Elthamians CC in every age group and every senior team bar the 1st XI.
For his school Ben helped his cricket team win the U14 Schools Kent Cup for the first time ever. He was immensely proud of being part of this team and what it achieved.
He was a kind, caring and hardworking young man who was very well liked and respected by staff and students alike and played an important role in the rich life of Ravens Wood School. He was a dedicated role model amongst both his peers and younger students. He was passionate and proud about Ravens Wood and everything that it achieved.
Ben had made himself the ever-present goal keeper for Ex Blues U15 Junior Football Club, having been introduced to them by one his best friends, Jamie. He revelled in playing in a committed team.
His passion for sport allowed everyone to watch him turn into a fine sportsman and a confident self possessed young man. Ben was very much a team player.
On Saturday 5th March 2011, Ben collapsed at football training with his Ex Blues team mates. Despite the heroic efforts of his coach, team mates, paramedics and the staff at St. Thomas hospital, he passed away on 8th March 2011.
Ben had an undiagnosed and undetected heart condition. He was incredibly fit and healthy and completely asymptomatic. Throughout his whole life there was nothing to suggest he needed to be screened for his cardiac health. Ben died of an undetected arrhythmia problem with his heart.
Paul Daniels
