Hundreds support Ben’s tribute game
HUNDREDS of people turned out for a tribute match in memory of a popular teenage rugby player.
The life of Ben Stollery was celebrated by a charity match between Stockport Grammar and Glossop Rugby Club, the two teams he had played for.
The 18-year-old died in March having taken his own life following a period of depression for which he was receiving treatment.
The match at Glossop’s home ground saw 55 players and around 300 spectators raise awareness of mental health issues and money for charity Young Minds.
Rob Stollery, Ben’s dad, said: “It was a fantastic event and the turnout brilliant, we wanted it to be something positive, a memorial for Ben and a celebration of his life.
“Ben was a great lad, who had a great life. He was smart and funny, that is one of the major comments people have made that he made them laugh.
“He was a straight A student and at 6ft 5in bit of a beast.”
The match had rolling substitutions and as a mark of respect no one wore Ben’s number eight shirt.
Rob said it was played in a good-natured but competitive spirit with one player needing his nose reset after an accidental clash.
Both Rob and Ben’s mum Carol attended the event. Around £10,000 has been raised for Young Minds - a charity for children and young people who are dealing with mental health issues.
After leaving Stockport Grammar Ben had studied at Abbey College in Manchester and friends from there will complete the 10km Great Manchester Run this weekend in aid of the charity.
Ben, who lived in New Mills, had also played rugby for Cheshire and for the joint Nottingham, Lancashire and Derbyshire team.
Rob said: “We want to raise awareness young of mental health issues, it is an illness and you have to deal with it like you would a physical illness.
“People and parents need to be aware that these things happen, keep an eye on them and take them seriously.
“It can happen to people no matter how popular they are.”
The match itself saw Stockport Grammar run out winners by 40 points to 24.
A JustGiving web page has been set up in Ben’s memory. Anyone who wishes to donate to the funds raised for Young Minds can visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Stollery.