Brooke's Paris to London - Bike For Ben page
Brooke Kinsella is raising money for The Ben Kinsella Trust
Team: Remembering Ben Kinsella
In memory of Ben Kinsella
Story
My brother Ben was a sixteen year old boy who loved life. He loved his family and friends, his dog Teddy, football, art, cooking and girls. He had a heart of gold and was the biggest clown there ever was – always trying to make people laugh in any way he could. Anybody who knew Ben knew what a special, caring and fun-loving boy he was and he is very deeply missed.
After Ben was tragically murdered in June 2008, my family set up the Ben KInsella Trust in his name. Ben was only sixteen when he was stabbed to death in an unnecessary act of horrific violence that shocked the nation. He had just finished school, was predicted and received top grades and was just about to begin a life full of promise. This was cut short by the devastating and growing problem that is knife crime.
Since Ben’s death, the Trust has received a huge amount of support as well as many generous donations which we plan to use primarily in the following ways:
- To pass on the legacy of Ben – by making sure the amazing impact he had in his life and since his death is never forgotten.
- To promote knife-crime awareness – many people believe that knife crime is not their problem and will never affect them. Sadly we know this is not the case and we want to ensure that everyone is aware of the threat that knife related crime poses to our lives.
- To educate children of all ages of the consequences of knife crime and the devastating effect that it has on families – by ensuring children as young as primary school age are educated about knife crime and will never consider picking up a weapon, be it through peer pressure, fear or simply believing it is cool. We aim to send the message to kids today that carrying a knife is not acceptable, against the law and could end in devastating consequences.
- To hopefully one day build youth centres in Ben’s name – as a tribute to him and to help protect, support and nurture kids on our streets. Sadly there are not enough recreational facilities for children in our country and we believe that when kids are kept busy and active they are less likely to become involved in gangs and anti-social behaviour. We would like to initially base our youth centre in Islington where Ben grew up and is known and loved.
Above all, my family desperately urge anyone who carries a knife or weapon to lay it down and think about the pain and suffering they may cause.