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Ben Jay 's Annual Fund Raiser - THIS FRIDAY

Fanny Fanackapan
Fanny Fanackapan Posts: 18,966

It doesn't seem possible that 4 years have passed since " Our Ben " lost his brave fight against cancer. Those of us who had followed those desperate months since his diagnosis, via Charlton Life, were bereft. Together, with Tracey Leaburn leading the way, generous Lifers raised a significant amount of money to ensure that this young Addick & his beloved family could make more memories. If you have missed Ben's story, please put his name into the Search Box and I'll wager that you'll be in tears before you reach the end of the relevant thread.

Today is also World Cancer Day and on Friday evening, friends & family will be making a bucket collection outside The Valley to raise funds for Young Lives v Cancer in Ben's name - The Ben Jay Butterfly Fund. We know that you will contribute but please spread the word & a reminder to bring some cash to this match.

Garry & Sharon will be amongst those collecting so if you recognise them, I know they would appreciate a few comforting words, a hug even, and maybe a mention of how Ben will always live in our hearts. They are very special, brave people indeed.

Please empty those piggy banks ( bring a wheelbarrow if you need to !) and contribute to a deserving fund which helps other families & their young ones who sadly face their own battle.

" Our Ben " will never be forgotten. The flag donated by @northstandsteve that Gary & Ben's pals take to every away game says it best.

"Our Inspiration "

Comments

  • AFKABartram
    AFKABartram Posts: 58,661
    Let’s do all we can to support guys 💪
  • aliwibble
    aliwibble Posts: 28,409
    For those of you who aren't aware of Ben's story, this forum post (or the vanillacommunity version) has the video the club released last year which summarises what happened. If you'd like to find out a little more, then you can read through from the beginning of that thread.
  • Is there a way to donate online if you are not attending?
  • Is there a way to donate online if you are not attending?
    Thanks for that question, AA.

    I'm away from home until mid afternoon but Garry has told me the club , having given their blessing for the collection, is diue to put ip something on the OS today which should have an online link for donations.

    IF this hasn't been done when I get back home, I'll give him a call & put an update on here.
  • OK. The original cunning plan didn't quite work out as expected but I have spoken with Ben's lovely Mum and now can share how you can donate if you miss the bucket collections tonight.

    This morning, there is a post on the club's Facebook page with details of how to donate  by text or via the link to Ben's page on the Young Lives v Cancer site.

    Text - BENFIVE   70580 to donate £5

              BENTEN    70580 to donate £10

    or follow this link : https://funds.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/BenJayButterflyFund

    I had expected the club to put this on Latest News on the OS as that's the first place I would look, but heyho ! I didn't even know there was a club FB page ! However, it does state that since "Our Ben's" passing just 4 years ago, an amazing £22,419 has been raised in his memory. 

    Your donations today would help the total reach the £30,000 mark ! Let's do it ! <3  
  • Curb_It
    Curb_It Posts: 21,302
    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14XLshv6W82/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    The Kenyan fans comments will irritate a little on meaningful posts like this. 
  • clive
    clive Posts: 20,094

    Young Lives vs Cancer Bucket Collection

    Following the tragic passing of Ben Jay back in 2022, the Jay family set up The Ben Jay Butterfly Fund to support Young Lives vs Cancer, who provided vital support to Ben and his family throughout his treatment.

    There will be a Young Lives vs Cancer bucket collection in and around the ground on Friday evening. The Jay family have raised over £22,000 in Ben’s name and supporters are encouraged to donate if they are able to do so.

    Fans wishing to donate to the fundraiser online can do so by clicking here.

    https://www.charltonafc.com/news/information-supporters-attending-qpr-fixture

  • ME14addick
    ME14addick Posts: 9,884
    If people can, it's better to donate via Just Giving if you are a UK Taxpayer and are able to Gift Aid your donation. The Charity will be able to claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated. 
  • Good work @Fanny Fanackapan - I've made a contribution via the justgiving link.

    The club posted on their X page this morning.
  • BDL
    BDL Posts: 6,039
    Will be mentioned at half time as well