Friends come to injured Ben's aid (From The Argus)
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Football match for Ben Stoten
7:00pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway
Friends of Ben Stoten who played football to raise money for his recovery costs
Footballing friends of an injured soldier clubbed together to raise thousands of pounds to help his treatment.
Corporal Ben Stoten, 27, from Newhaven, suffered serious injuries in Afghanistan earlier this month after a bomb blast.
With the soldier being treated for his injuries, family and friends have come together and organised fundraising events to help pay for his recovery costs.
About 350 people packed into Newhaven FC’s Fort Road ground yesterday (February 12) and raised about £3,000 as they watched the Hampden Arms take on The Bridge Inn 2008, which was a scheduled game in the Lewes and District Sunday League.
Luke Clarke, 25, of Elphick Road, Newhaven, who is best friends with Ben’s brother Simon, plays for The Bridge Inn and organised the event with his team-mate Carl Talmey.
Mr Clarke said: “Ben is really into his football. He used to play for Hampden.
“We were playing the game anyway so thought it would be a good idea to advertise it and play it at a bigger venue.
“We had about 350 people turn up in the end, including Ben’s brothers and his cousins. It really brought the town together. I know the family are really humbled by it.
“Ben is still stable but semi-conscious. He’s on the mend though which is the good thing.”
A website coordinating events which will go towards Cpl Stoten’s recovery costs has also been set up.
In addition to the proceeds from the football match, nearly £3,000 has been raised in donations in a matter of days.
A family statement said: “You can tell just from the support of the community what an amazing personality Ben has and the type of person he is.
“He is a hero and we need to do everything we can to support him as he has helped protect us and our families.
“Please could you all dig deep and donate whatever you can, every little helps and no donation goes unnoticed.”
Among the activities planned are a sponsored swim at Seaford Head Swimming Pool on March 10 and a London to Paris Bike Ride in June.
For more details visit www.benstoten.co.uk.
hubby says...
8:06pm Mon 13 Feb 12
Well done and I hope Ben recovers soon.
Hubby.