Visit www.myspace.com/boochakka to get to know Ben more, or if you knew Ben, take comfort in how he loved life.. even when given the worst possible news.

This website was created in memory of Ben Howard, and to help raise money to help local cancer sufferers in North Staffordshire by offering advice, guidance and individual grants at the discretion of the trustees.  It's aim is to help others and help bring gene therapy, or other life saving treatments to North Staffordshire. Feb 09, Cancer Research showed an interest in running trials of gene therapy. April 2009, Carol (Ben's Mum) was one of the nine speakers  at the annual British Society of Gene Therapy conference at the Royal Holloway University London in Egham Surrey April 22nd. See www.bsgt.org

The Ben Howard Cancer Appeal is a registered charity; charity number 1126218. See www.charity-commission.gov.uk

Please help by donating raffle prizes, running raffles, sponsored events and any fundraising idea you have!

Links on Ben's website include information about Gene Therapy

see http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Biologicaltherapies/Genetherapy#6766

Ben was diagnosed with a duodenal tumour Nov 1st and died December 13th the same year, 2007. He was waiting for gene therapy which may have helped him. So far the appeal has raised over £15,000 and has given £3000 to local cancer sufferer, Ashley Tyler and £1000 to Janet Ashmore. Ashley suffered from Ewing's Sarcoma; a rare cancer known as the 'Teenage Cancer'. It develops in the soft tissue around joints typically as teenage years involve fast growth of joints.

Sadly, Ashley passed away 1.20am Tuesday 28th October 2008. He managed to set up a home and live independently with his fiancee, go to Turkey on holiday as a couple with Stephanie, and get married... all at the age of 20. He faced a bleak prognosis with a fighting strength which all who knew Ashley will remember him for. Janet Ashmore has a brain tumour. Diagnosed initially in 2006, Janet had an operation but not all the tumour could be removed. Janet's only hope is Proton therapy, and there is now a bank account in the name of 'Janet's Proton Therapy'. The Ben Howard Appeal donated £1,000 to help Janet start her own appeal in November 08. In February 2009, we donated £1,000 to Graham Shaw, who has terminal lung cancer. This is being used by Graham to enjoy his remaining time with friends and family.

April 2009 marks us raising over £16,000 since November 2007.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bantransfats

Sign Ben's Mums petition to ban trans fats in food (hydrogenated oils and fats are strongly linked to cancer and heart disease).  

  Many Thanks must go to Colin Williamson of the Newcastle Community Voluntary Services without whose help The charity may not have been formed so quickly.. Google the Ben Howard Appeal and search the Charities Commission website to find his appeal officially registered.

Monday 28th July 2008 (the day after what would have been Ben's 22nd birthday) Professor Jon Dobson and Ben's Mum were heard by many listeners of BBC Radio Stoke as they talked about Ben, his life and interests, the progress of gene therapy trials and the way forward.

Thanks to Unreal Paintball of Madeley who have given hugely discounted tickets for paintballing. If you've ever tried this sport then Unreal Paintball is the real deal... castles to fight around! Angelo Pomelli has organised 10 players...... watch this space for the date in May.

Ben joined his Mum and her Caudwell team mates and big brother Tim in 2002 at a paintballing event near Tean. Being Ben, he accidentally shot one of his Mum's teammates, also called Ben! The gun went off point blank; Ben of Caudwell fell in agony, and our Ben said 'sorry mate, hit me back now! It was a muddy experience, with much swearing and fun! 

Big thanks to Textile Holdings of Blurton who raised over £1200 in a matter of weeks. They presented us with a further £2,600 on Saturday Nov 29th 2008. If you receive a flyer with a photo of Ben and his Mum then please be reassured that it is a genuine fundraiser for the Ben Howard Appeal. Fill that bag with any textiles, old, new, dirty or clean; belts, bags, shoes, clothes, bedding etc.. www.localcommunityrecycling.co.uk   visit this website to see all sorts of recycling going on which is actively raising money for our appeal.

Thanks to Lee Gerrity who organised a golf tournament at The Shropshire golf club in 2008.

Thanks to Ken Harold of Footloose and the staff and customers of Catchems Corner in Blythe Bridge who raised £330 on Halloween 2008 for Ben's appeal.

Thanks to Ashley Tyler's friends and family who raised £492.00 at Ashley's funeral for Ben's Appeal.

Thanks to Meir Community Education Centre who have raised over £200 through donated books in 2008

Thanks to the Michelin athletic running club who have raised £100 in december 08 for Ben's Appeal.

Thanks to family and friends at the Corner Cupboard in Shelton where £80 was raised in a raffle. Another event is planned there soon! March 28th 2009 6 bands are playing including Friends of Ken and Skinny Pigs!

Thanks to Stoke City Council who raised £50 in collection tins around Stoke Market.

Thanks to Olwyn and Yvette Jones who raised £35 with a Holistic Therapy day at Dimensions in Burslem on Saturday February 28th.

Many thanks to Randy conteh and DJ Wilf for a fabulous night at the Bird in Hand, Etruria on Saturday March 7th. A fundraising raffle was held and hundreds of pounds were raised... final figure later.

So far (April 09) over £16,000 has been raised. This We're now at the stage where we have raised enough to really help local people who, like Ben said on his Myspace, are 'Up shit creek without a paddle!' . .. Let's keep it going! as Ben would say.. 'Lets Go Mo Fo!'