Ben needed help, and the health service turned him away. He died last week, not long after his 29th Birthday.

Ben was an artist. Despite being tall and broad, Ben was a sensitive young man. He surprised people with his thoughtfulness, his kindness, and above all his gentleness. He loved animals, he was very fond of cats and he also had a close bond with his dog Ralphie.

As a child, he was full of enthusiasm, bubbling over with boundless energy. He retained his enthusiasm late into adulthood, and enjoyed playing collectable card games with his friends - he liked the art, and was quick to share with others. His friends remember him as very loyal, and very caring.

Over the last few years, Ben came to struggle with his mental health. Last week he decided to take his own life, but he was found by his partner and rushed to hospital. The doctors in Accident and Emergency saved him, and he was assessed by a Mental Health nurse, who concluded that he was still a danger to himself and that he needed to be admitted to a ward for his own safety.

Despite these clear, unambiguous warnings, Ben was released by the health service on his own recognizance. They put him in a Bed and Breakfast. He gained access to the roof, and concluded what he set out to do. He was later declared dead. His last act of his gentle and kind life was to donate his organs to people in need.

Ben should have mattered; Ben did matter.

He is survived and mourned by his partner, Dann, his mother and his stepfather, Rose and Chris, and by all those who knew him well.

The totally avoidable, unexpected costs for his funeral have placed his family into significant financial trouble. If you agree with us that Ben deserved better, please help however you can.

Any excess funds will be used to cover expenses arising from Ben's passing, or donated to mental health charities.

#MentalHealthMatters #BenMattered