About Ben

Ben was born at Gravesend Maternity Hospital on 3rd November 1990. 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. At the age of five Ben started his Tae Kwon Do lessons at the Black Belt Academy in Gravesend under the direction of Master Frank Murphy. Through dedication, determination and brilliant skills for his age, he attained his Black Belt four years later, the youngest student to be awarded that degree at the Academy.

He attended Shears Green Primary School and Junior School where he sat and passed his eleven plus examination which gave him entry to Gravesend Grammar School in September 2002. Ben was very popular with his teachers and peers, although his mischievous character and spirit made him well known to the Head Teacher, Mr. Wybar. He looked forward to his day at school, enjoying the company of his many friends and all that school could offer him, especially English, History, Business and, of course, Sports. He attained 11 good grade GCSEs and had started studying at AS level. He would have gone on to complete his education at A level and ultimately a degree at University.

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 his close friends. His passion was for Martial Arts and Boxing. Through intense training and determination, Ben became the Southern Counties Boxing Champion at 60 Kilos in 2007 while at Brompton Boxing Club. It was while boxing that Ben met his close friend and mentor, Steve Hedges, who trained Ben as often as he could at his home in Northfleet, helping Ben to achieve his goals.

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. So many people have been devastated by his loss, his mother and father, his sister Jade, best friends Jack, Luke, Elliott and Arif, his girlfriend Megan, to name but a few. He touched so many people in his short but full life; we will not let him be forgotten.

"Remember me and I shall be with you forever"...........

Carey Ben Johnson 3rd November 1990 to 13th November 2007