Tornagrain family ‘overwhelmed’ by outpouring of love and support after Go Fund Me appeal raises £30k in one day to help save dad’s life
A Tornagrain family said they were “completely overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love and donations which has led to more than £30,000 raised to help a father-of-four secure life-saving surgery.
Ben Horsfield, from Tornagrain, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in the wake of experiencing an unexpected seizure two weeks ago.
The devastating news prompted friends and family to set up a fundraiser to support him and his family after he was forced out of work by the diagnosis and to pay for potentially life-saving surgery at a specialist hospital in London.
The procedure he needs to undergo, however, costs in excess of £20,000 and a Go Fund Me page was set up on Thursday last week and raised an amazing £30,000 in just one day.
Speaking on behalf of the family, one of the fundraiser organisers, Rosie Thompson, said: “Ben and Gemma are completely overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support they have been shown following Ben’s diagnosis.
“We hope by today (April 22) we will have a date for surgery, and to know that money is immediately available to secure this is a massive comfort at one of the most challenging times of their lives.
“We would like to thank the huge number of donators for this, which is a wonderful display of our community coming together to help this family in their time of need.”
The current total as of yesterday morning stood at £33,000.
Ms Thompson and Christine Cochrane, who launched the appeal, wrote on the Go Fund Me page: “Ben is a family man through-and-through. He has four wonderful young boys, Harvey, Harry, Oliver and Freddie, and a loving wife, Gemma.
“He has always put his family first, and loves nothing more than spending time adventuring with his boys.
“He also co-founded the kids’ football team at Croy Primary School so they’d have somewhere to play with their friends.
“He coaches the team most weekends at Culloden or can be found volunteering at the SFA festivals on the Bught Park playing field (in Inverness).”
Ms Cochrane added: “The whole family does so much for the community around them, and this is such an awful situation.
“There was no choice but for us to try and fundraise for the support they need, so we can give Ben and his family hope for the future.”
The community rallied around the family, with more than 530 donations made and the appeal being shared through various groups and channels.
Mr Horsfield, who is a self-employed Aga engineer, is also manager at Tornagrain United FC.
Sharing the fundraiser on their official Facebook page, a club spokesperson wrote: “Recently our manager Ben Horsfield has received the most devastating diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour. A Go Fund Me page has been set up if everyone can please share this and donate to try and help Ben, his wife Gemma and his children.”
They added: “Ben has loved being involved in running this team and help making it a success and any donation big or small or even just a share of the page will be appreciated.
“We are looking to try and do something as a team to raise money, so please keep an eye on this page.
“I’m supporting this fundraiser on GoFundMe. If you can, please consider supporting by donating or sharing the link. Every bit of support makes a huge difference.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so via this link.
