Tornagrain dad and community stalwart’s brain cancer diagnosis sparks fundraiser — with almost £20k raised in hours
Friends and family of a Tornagrain dad-of-four and community stalwart are hoping to raise £30,000 to cover the costs of a life-saving surgery after he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Click here to donate to the fundraiser
Ben Horsfield, a self-employed Aga engineer, received the “devastating” diagnosis after experiencing a seizure on April 7.
Because of this, he is now unable to work, with a high risk that the tumour could be fatal to him in the next few weeks.
A fundraiser, which has raised more than £20,000 in less than a day, was set up by family friends Christine Cochrane and Rosie Thompson in a bid to help cover the cost of potentially life-saving surgery at a specialist neuro hospital in London as well as treatment and to support the family while he is unable to work.”
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They wrote on the fundraising page: “Ben is a family man through-and-through. He has four wonderful young boys, Harvey, Harry, Oliver and Freddie, 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.
“He’s a self-employed Aga wizard, well-loved across the Highlands by his loyal customers. But now with his diagnosis he cannot work, which poses a significant financial challenge for his family.
“The whole family do so much for the community around them. Alongside Ben, Gemma dedicates a huge amount of time every week to Croy Primary football club whilst juggling her job as a PSA at the school.
“Every contribution — big or small — will help make a difference. We understand that not everyone can donate, but sharing this page will be a great help.”
Ms Cochrane commented: “The whole family do 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 fundraising page was shared across the community — among them also Tornagrain United FC, where Ben is the manager.
They wrote on their social media channels: “Recently our manager Ben Horsfield has received the most devastating diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour.
“Ben has loved being involved in running this team and helping make it a success, and any donation big or small or even just a share of the page will be appreciated.”
They said they are looking at organising something as a team to raise money.
