It still feels so raw, says Ben’s dad 2 years on
It has been just over two years since Ben Garland, 24, went missing off the north coast of Ibiza.
Ben had gone to look at waves on the Spanish island on January 21, 2020 in the aftermath of a storm which had caused huge swells.
It is thought Ben, from Southwick, Wiltshire, was swept out to sea but his family, including dad Mark Garland, have not had any answers or closure.
At the time of his disappearance,
Ben’s jacket, ID and wristwatch were found alongside his Harley Davidson, but no body was discovered.
The family have faced an “incredibly tough” two years with Covid delaying search parties and ruining plans to fly out there.
Further devastation has struck with Ben’s sister, 38-year-old Charlotte, being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Mark, 56, who is a bus driver in Bath, said that the time had gone by in a flash.
“It feels like yesterday that I got the phone call to tell me Ben had gone missing from one of his friends,” he said.
“At the time I wasn’t too worried, I was still concerned but I thought he would turn up very quickly.
“When I booked my flights out there I was convinced I’d arrive to be told they had found him. As you know that was not the case.
“That’s what I find the hardest, that we don’t have the closure we would have if we had ever found a body.
“I do take some comfort from thinking he is free in the ocean, being a free spirit like he was I’m sure he’d have preferred to be buried at sea rather than underground.”
Mark has said he is determined to keep his “beautiful” son’s memory alive and last year organised a mass motorbike rally - The Ride To The Tide - which raised money for lifeboat service the RNLI.
More than 100 motorcyclists took part and raised more than a £1,000 for the charity. This year it is hoped twice as many motorcyclists will take part.
Mark said it was hard to process everything that had happened and that it was still as heartbreaking today as it was when it first happened.
“It’s an enormous thing we have been through, it is still as raw in all our minds but I get comfort from seeing friends of his post online to say they’re thinking of him and missing him,” he said.
“People always say time is a great healer, but I’m finding things get worse. I do sometimes just lock myself away in my room. People always tell me how strong I am but I don’t feel strong, I may be strong in public but I can’t be all the time.
“I’m determined to keep Ben’s memory alive though, I don’t want him to be forgotten.
“He was a friend to everyone, he was such a lovely boy.”
Mark explained that he was also determined to help his daughter Charlotte through her own battle with cancer.
He said: “She’s so brave. I am guilty of getting wrapped up in what has happened to Ben but I tell her that I am here for her anytime.
“It is so hard for her to be facing treatment alone in hospital without visitors at the moment.”
Mark asked people to light a candle for Ben and think of him on the anniversary of his disappearance on Friday last week.
There is a Facebook page ‘Light up for Ben’ where people can post their photos.
Mark also said he was thinking about placing a bench somewhere for Ben, to commemorate him after being inspired by Ricky Gervais who has donated benches to Somerset parks where people can sit and grieve.
The comedian, creator of bittersweet comedy drama After Life, joined forces with a charity to place 25 benches at locations around the UK.
The benches feature QR codes which lead to online resources and a message of support.
Mark said: “I think that’s a really good idea, people do want to sit somewhere outside to reflect. I’d be keen to do something like that for Ben.
“We hope to be able to have a memorial service this year too, as well as another ‘Ride to the Tide.’”
❝ It feels like yesterday that I got the phone call to tell me Ben had gone missing from one of his friends. What I find the hardest is that we don’t have the closure we would have if we had ever found a body. Ben Garland’s father, Mark