CHARITIES champ and Year 12 student Ben Lord has raised more than £13,000 for the hospital that saved his life when he was diagnosed with cancer, and he is not stopping there.
Ben held his sixth ‘Benji’s Big Bash’ in the holidays at Haslingden Cricket Club when family and friends helped him reach his latest milestone.
When he was in Year 6 at Helmshore Primary School, Ben’s mum Sarah spotted a lump on his neck and he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Ben, from Helmshore, was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where an x-ray revealed the cancer had not spread so he did not need chemotherapy. He has now been given the all clear and no longer requires check ups.
Talking of his latest fundraiser, Ben said: “We had more than 100 people come along to the latest Big Bash and some who couldn’t attend still very generously donated money.
“We had cake and sweets stalls, a DJ and karaoke and an auction. Someone had donated a signed Sir Alex Ferguson shirt and that went for £270.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported my fundraisers over the years. This year’s event raised £800.
“I have been holding these events every year since I was diagnosed to raise money for Ward 84, the cancer ward at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. They save people’s lives.”
Ben, 17, is hoping to work in the catering industry and is currently studying a Level 2 course in business in sixth form and is planning to take a catering course at Accrington and Rossendale College.
Headteacher Mr Jackson said: “Ben is an incredible young man who has worked tremendously hard to raise an amazing amount of money for the hospital.
“We wish him every success with both his future career and his future fundraising events.”