Ben was diagnosed with a 'low grade' left frontal astrocytoma in November 96. He has endured three operations, 6 weeks of radiotherapy, unsuccessful trial with temodal, an adverse reaction to Etoposide. He had never suffered a fit, but on Wednesday 19th May 1999 he suffered some kind of atypical seizure, was admitted to hospital, stabilised but unconscious, and we brought him home on Thursday. Once in his own bed, he had a serene smile on his face and I am sure he was in no pain until Sunday. His death was quick and painless, and totally shocking. He was 11.

I write this on the eve of his thanksgiving service and burial. The abiding memory of everybody who knew him is one of an energetic, fun-loving football and guitar fan, who was never afraid to talk about his condition but never let it get him down. He would talk to anybody who listened,and went out of his way to give friendship to those who he felt really needed someone, e.g. a little boy who had been moved to his school after his brother had hanged himself, an older boy who lived around the corner, who suffered with a stammer, and a classmate who was suffering psychological problems. There is a college for physically handicapped young people in our town and he would stop and talk to these people and treat them the same as anybody else.

He was a good brother to his little sister Stephanie, and a kind and thoughtful son. His thanksgiving service is based on a theme of light, and he was (and is) our little star.

I promised Ben that I would spend the rest of my life getting involved in research into this dreadful killer disease - indeed I have already started. His little sister is also undertaking a sponsored swim this weekend, with proceeds going to brain tumour research. He would be so proud of her. His star will shine forever.