It gives me great sorrow and deep sadness to inform you all that on Wednesday we lost one of our TaeKwon Do family and one of the clubs greatest warriors. Sadly after defeating Leukaemia for the second time Ben Charlton had to battle two other illnesses at the same time and although he fought to the end he was unable to recover from them both.

Ben had shown true blackbelt spirit in his last five years fight with Leukaemia and had been an inspiration to us all in indomitable spirit and perseverance and he will never be forgotten. Literally known across the world of TaeKwon Do through the spirit in which he twice fought and defeated Leukaemia. His family are spending time coming to terms with the gaping hole he has left behind and have asked all contact from the club to be sent to myself through this dark and challenging time.

Arrangements for Bens funeral, which will be held on Monday 27th April, will be posted soon and it would be extremely appropriate that we have a huge turnout to say our goodbyes and offer our collective support to his family.

Ben had amazing spirit and determination and we can all take inspiration from him and his battles and use them to help motivate us all when things don’t go to plan. Now his has moved on I’m sure he will be now putting that spirit and indomitable spirit to good use wherever he is but I hope he has left a little of that spirit to sprinkle within our club.  We can all shed a tear but most of all be inspired.

“Ben Charlton – true champion”