Friends, family, and the community in Plumstead have gathered to celebrate what would have been the 18th birthday of a teen who died from cancer.
Ben Jay was told he had a rare form of cancer in July 2021 and died seven months after his diagnosis on February 4, 2022.
On October 5, and what would have been Ben’s 18th birthday, crowds gathered at Greenslade Primary School to celebrate and remember his life.
The gathering saw dozens of people come together to release red, silver, and blue balloons into the sky.
Ben’s mum Sharon says that due to the discordance of Ben being transferred from paediatric units to adult care, he was “not cared for in a timely way” – which she believes led to the death of her son.
The Jay family are now seeking to prevent other 16 and 17-year-olds from going through similar and are calling for a review of care of late teens.
Speaking at the balloon released, Sharon said: “Ben put up such a fight. “We don’t want any other family to go through what we’ve been through, but there has been other children since bens passing that have been swallowed up by the system.
“My challenge is to change that.
“And that for me, will be in Ben’s memory.
“I love you, Ben; you’ve always got my back.”
After Sharon’s heartfelt speech, crowds sang happy birthday in harmony and released the balloons.
Friends and family then gathered around a large screen projector, listening to songs in Ben’s memory and watching a picture slideshow of his life.
Towards the end of the celebration, Sharon and Ben’s dad Garry offered a large selection of cupcakes.
Sharon and Ben’s sister, Samantha, had made a huge chocolate tier cake in the shape of the numbers one and eight.
In August, Sharon told the News Shopper that Ben suffered with a condition called Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), which is a condition that can make you bleed more easily than normal.
She said: “Doctors claimed his symptoms were because of this, but I knew there was something else wrong with my son.
“Evelina children’s hospital saw Ben in the March after I explained the symptoms, and a doctor said Ben will be transferred to the adult haemophilia department when he turns 17.
“But Ben was still 16 and wasn’t turning 17 until October – they didn’t do anything apart from take his bloods.”
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ said: “Ben had been a patient at the haematology department of Evelina London Children’s Hospital for a number of years and we were saddened to hear of his death.
“Our deepest condolences go to his family.
“Ben was being treated for a mild blood condition at Evelina London.
“Blood tests showed no concerns for this condition but had some other changes for which we advised further investigation through his local paediatrician.
“This was already underway as he also had symptoms which were not related to his blood condition.
“At his family’s request, Ben’s haematology care was moved to adult services.”
A spokesperson for The Blackheath Hospital said it does not comment on individual cases, but it is “committed to delivering outstanding care to all patients”.
A spokesperson for Lewisham and Greenwich Trust said: “We’re unable to comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
“However, we would encourage anyone with concerns about the care of a loved one to contact our PALS and complaints service, which will carry out a thorough investigation.”
Since Ben’s passing, family, friends, and supporters from across south east London have come together to raise awareness of the lack of care elder teens may face when undergoing life-changing illnesses.
Greenslade Primary School, the place where the balloon release was held, have since dedicated their playground and garden to the football fan, naming it the “Ben Jay Playground” with a photo of him to accompany.
Ben’s secondary school, Welling School, held a football fundraiser named the ‘Ben Jay Cup’ on February 11, 2022, and will hold this match every year in memory of the teen.
Ben, who had the “kindest heart” and was always smiling, had a passion for football, as he played for the Cray Valley Under 18’s club, and frequently attended football matches at his number one team, Charlton Athletic.
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