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A Jersey student, who raised £105,000 to support young islanders’ mental health in memory of his 14-year-old sister, was given the opportunity to hand Premier League winners Manchester City their trophy this evening in recognition of his "extraordinary" courage.
Ben Mason started a JustGiving page with an aim of raising £1,500 for mental health charities after his sister Kezia’s sudden death in March.
He explained that, in the wake of Kezia's death, the family had been "overwhelmed with love and support and questions of, 'What can we do?'"
"THIS is typical City now."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND!! ????✨ pic.twitter.com/oRt5yWzr54
Video: Ben hands Manchester City captain Fernandinho the 2021/2022 Premier League cup.
He continued: "I have decided to create this page so that people who have been affected by our tragic news, can donate money which will be given to teenage mental health charities.
"I hope with all my heart that it will save one person and their family from suffering a similar tragedy."
Within hours, the fundraiser stood at 10 times its initial goal – days later, it was 100 times higher.
Pictured: Ben's fundraiser for Kezia.
This evening, after Manchester City clinched a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa, the inspiring young islander and dedicated fan was at the Etihad to hand outgoing captain and five-title winner Fernandinho his medal and the coveted cup.
Numerous islanders took to social media to share their pride at seeing Ben, who is currently taking his GCSEs, on screen.
Senator Kristina Moore praised Ben as a "champion", while the Government’s Head of Children’s Health and Wellbeing Dr Darren Bowring commented: “A proud, emotional and deserving moment for Ben Mason to hand Fernandinho the Premier League trophy.”
A proud, emotional and deserving moment for Ben Mason to hand Fernandinho the premier league trophy #Champions ???????????? pic.twitter.com/GSkwawMc52
— Dr Darren Bowring (@DarrenBowring) May 22, 2022
Richard Picot, Acting Director of Sport at Victoria College, tweeted: "Fabulous gesture giving year 11 pupil Ben the honour of presenting the Premier League Trophy to
@ManCity.
"Ben has raised, and continues to raise an extraordinary amount of money for local mental health causes."
Fabulous gesture giving year 11 pupil Ben the honour of presenting the Premier League Trophy to @ManCity.
— Mr R Picot (@MrRPicot) May 22, 2022
Ben has raised, and continues to raise an extraordinary amount of money for local mental health causes. https://t.co/P2DSJ00Cmk
The school's headteacher, Dr Gareth Hughes, said he was "absolutely delighted" for Ben.
Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Stuart Brennan, described Ben as someone who had shown "extraordinary courage in tough times".
Presenting the trophy will be two young City fans who have shown extraordinary courage in tough times - 16-year-old Ben Mason who lost his sister to suicide, and 22-year-old Olivia Wardle, who has worked for City in the Community while battling cancer.
— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) May 22, 2022
Well done to them. #MCFC
Ben Mason's fundraiser in memory of his sister, Kezia, is still live.
CLICK HERE to donate in her memory.
“I hope with all my heart it will save one family from suffering a similar tragedy"
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Samaritans - Call for free from any phone on 116 123.
Mind Jersey - www.mindjersey.org
'Help is at Hand' - The Government has put together a guide for individuals bereaved by suicide which includes information about how they might be feeling, what practical matters you're likely to have to deal with and suggestions on further support in the weeks and months ahead. Click HERE to read it.
YES project - The Youth Enquiry Service provides information, advice and counselling for 16-25 year-olds. Open 12:00 to 20:00 every day. Visit yes.je or telephone 0800 7350 010.
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