Ben passed away in his sleep very unexpectedly, which came as a huge shock to his family, friends, and the extended community. He was an active, fit, healthy, and sociable teenage boy, and the cause of death is recognised only as ‘sudden unexplained death in childhood’ (SUDC).

As a young man Ben was kind, generous and considerate, with a huge passion for life and in particular football, he just loved the game. Whether it was playing for his local school and boys club teams or heading to Pittodrie to support his beloved Aberdeen FC, football was always at the fore front of his mind.

The irony of it all, is that Ben died on the morning of ‘cup final day’ where he was due to line up with his friends at Aberdeen FC’s Cormack Park for Cove Youth United. Ben had proudly worn the number 14 shirt for his local team Cove Youth from the age of 5, his shirt since being retired out of respect. Ben had also just completed his National 5 exams and was enjoying some well-earned free time from school before he was due to return to concentrate on his higher education. Sadly, Ben will never make that return.

The ‘Ben Bradford BB14’ charity has been established to keep his memory alive through his kindness, generosity and love of football. BB14 will achieve this through the advancement of wider participation in sporting activity, regardless of individuals background or ability, and through access to facilities and equipment, which will in turn underpin the clear need for improved community mental health and wellbeing.