We have been blown away by the kindness, generosity and support to Ben and for this important local charity.

5-year-old Ben was diagnosed with Nance-Horan Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disease, at just 2 weeks old. As a blue badge holder and formally registered as severely visually impaired in both eyes, Ben has undergone multiple eye operations in his lifetime at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. We are incredibly grateful for all the medical care he has received from many specialists over the last 5 years, at not only Addenbrooke’s, but also Moorfields, Hertfordshire, Lister and Great Ormond Street Hospitals. We are also extremely grateful to the VI educational specialist team at Herts Council. 

Ben wears special contact lenses to give him a focus range of  approximately 70cm; without them he can only see light as he has no lenses inside his eyes. Having received specialist care and support throughout his lifetime, Ben’s older sisters, 8 year-old Alice  and 10 year-old Jessica are dedicated to helping their brother and have supported him every step of the way.

Inspired by his sisters, Ben decided to take on a climbing challenge in aid of the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank to kickstart his school fundraising. Over the weekend Ben visited Clip’n’Climb, Cambridge for the first time, and completed his sponsored climb with Jess and Alice. Encouraged by his sisters and family, Ben climbed to the top of 10 different walls a total of 30 times. Ben’s visual impairment means that a lot of this was done through touch alone.

This challenge was arranged extremely quickly (within a day!) due to current circumstances around Covid19 and possible new lockdown measures on the way. £1035.00 was initially raised on Sunday by family, friends and neighbours for Ben’s climb. We are really glad Ben had the opportunity to climb and we are all so grateful to everyone who has donated money to him. Our local food bank is incredibly important and a very worthy cause, especially right now in these very challenging times. Thank you ever so much. ❤️🧗💪