Walkers gather in memory of former Pershore High School student (From Evesham Journal)

Walkers gather in memory of former Pershore High School student

10:42am Wednesday 8th July 2009

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MORE than 50 people took part in a charity walk at the weekend in memory of a former Pershore High School student who died from meningitis.

Close friends and family gathered on Sunday (July 5) for the third Ben’s Pub Walk in memory of 17-year-old Ben Woodcock who died in January 2006.

The keen basketball player and drummer from Green Street, near Kempsey, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2005 and treated on the TCT ward at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Sadly, Ben lost his battle after contracting meningitis while recovering, but his parents Tim and Chris said the care and compassion the family received from the TCT staff was invaluable to them at such a difficult time.

The annual walk has raised almost £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust since its foundation and about £2,000 was collected on the day itself this year, with the final total expected to double.

The walkers started at the Huntsman Inn in Green Street and trekked across Kempsey Common to The Inn at Stonehall before they carried on through Littleworth, Norton and Hatfield to return to the Huntsman for a pig roast, raffle and well earned rest.

Ben’s father Tim said: ”A good time was had by all and we’re hopeful of raising an amazing total of £4,000 this year.

“It was so nice to see so many of Ben’s friends together again. We would like to say a big thank you to the landlords of the Huntsman and The Inn at Stonehall for accommodating us and to all those who sponsored.”

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