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Fun run at Gravesend Rugby Club in memory of Gravesend Grammar School pupil Ben Johnson

Runners, joggers and walkers got together at the weekend in memory of a young sports fan.

The fun run at Gravesend Rugby Club on Sunday morning was organised in honour of Ben Johnson, who died in November 2007 of undiagnosed acute leukaemia aged just 17.

The Gravesend Grammar School A-level student was not only a gifted academic but also a budding sportsman.

Supporters took part in the run on Ben's Day
Supporters took part in the run on Ben's Day

The Ben Johnson Forget Me Not Foundation was set up in his memory and friends and family have been raising money ever since.

Ben’s Day is held regularly at Gravesend Rugby Club and this year more than 80 runners completed 24 laps of the field.

Neil Johnson, Ben’s father and founder of the charity, said it was very successful.

He said: “A lot of Ben’s old friends came down to run and it was good to see them there again as we have had a break for a couple of years.

“Thank you to Leukaemia Care for turning up and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research for sending a representative along as well as Joe Pasquale, one of our charity’s patrons who sadly couldn’t make it on Sunday but sent his best wishes.”

Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson

The charity’s official website reveals fond memories of Ben. It reads: “As a young boy, Ben was very quiet and was much happier playing at home with his large collection of toy cars or following his dad to work, than he was to go to nursery. However, by the time he was ready to start primary school, he had already started to express himself in his very determined and confident way.

“Sport was a very large part of Ben’s life, he enjoyed anything competitive.

“He played football from 2001 to 2004 for Singlewell Football Club and rugby for his house team at Gravesend Grammar, as well as tennis with friends.

“Ben was hardly ever unwell. He did not ‘do sick’ and was hardly ever absent from school. There were not many clues to the illness that so suddenly took Ben’s life.

“He touched so many people in his short but full life. We will not let him be forgotten.”

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