Chippy raises £2,000 in memory of brave boy who battled cancer with a smile
HALF-PRICE CHARITY DAY A FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING GESTURE
A COVENTRY chippy has made an incredible gesture in memory of a boy who always smiled through his childhood cancer battle. Ben Crowther died from a rare form of cancer in 2019 - aged just seven.
His family set up the Pass The Smile For Ben fund in his honour after he bravely battled through months of surgery, CT scans, X-rays and chemo - all the while beaming his remarkable smile.
To support the appeal, Hipswell Fish Saloon, in Hipswell Highway, Stoke, hosted a halfprice charity day in September, raising £2,000. Ben’s mum Sarah and dad Scott were invited to the chippy to pick up the cheque.
Scott said: “Fish and chips were Ben’s favourite. He would have loved the fundraising day.” Christos Ermogenous, from HFS, explained the personal reason why and and the business felt inspired to help.
“I’m currently doing a PHD in cancer research so it was really important that our family business supported a local cancer charity for our annual fundraiser at Hipswell Fish Saloon,” he said. “As soon as we heard Ben’s story (and the fact he loved fish and chips), we couldn’t wait to help raise funds and awareness for research into childhood cancer.
“We’d like to thank all the volunteers from Pass the Smile and CCLG, as well as our suppliers and customers for their support on the day, which helped us raise £2,000.”
Coventry South Labour MP Zarah Sultana was also at the special presentation. “Having worked with Pass The Smile For Ben before, and knowing the dedication of Scott and Sarah, I was thrilled to link them up with Hipswell Fish Saloon,” she said.
“And the fact Ben loved chips made it even more fitting. This is our community at its best: Responding to adversity by stepping up and supporting others.
“Thank you to everyone at Hipswell Fish Saloon for demonstrating what fantastic work a community-focused business can do.”
Fish and chips were Ben’s favourite. He would have loved the fundraising day Ben’s dad Scott Crowther