I was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of my old Allhallows schoolfriend Ben Blyth, who I remember as such a fun loving, happy person, always the joker, full of life.

It was even more shocking to hear of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Ben's body was found near Winchester railway line around 1.20am on Wednseday 11th August 2010. It was spotted by a train driver, who managed to stop without hitting it. Ben had been sleeping rough on the streets of Winchester for some time, and was well known within the community. How his body came to be on the track is still unknown.

Michele Price, manager of Winchester Churches Nightshelter, said: “Ben Blyth was one of the rough sleepers in Winchester and well known to local agencies who were trying to help him find a way out of rough sleeping and homelessness.

“All those who knew him have been devastated by his death.”

She said the tent Mr Blyth had been living in for the past few months was burnt down by vandals recently.

In Ben's memory I'd really like to raise some money to help this fantastic charity, who did as much as they could to make his difficult life a little bit easier.

Winchester Churches Nightshelter is an independent local charity supported by the Churches of Winchester, welcoming people who are homeless into safe accommodation and providing specialist support since 1988.

Its aim is to help homeless people by providing a safe, warm environment; a comfortable bed (6pm-8.30am); a hot evening meal and breakfast; advice and support; and vital assistance to prepare for and find appropriate move-on accommodation for permanent independent living.

Your money will contribute to meeting basic needs of shelter, food, and hygiene and also vital help in easing loneliness, providing a secure support network to address problems, and a start to being included in society and ‘feeling more human’ again. For more information visit http://www.wcns.org.uk