THIS team of people are among hundreds who pulled together to raise £26,000 in memory of Gravesend Grammar School student Ben Johnson who was struck down by undiagnosed acute leukaemia in November last year aged just 17.

A 12-mile sponsored run in aid of the Ben Johnson Forget Me Not Fund took place at Gravesend Rugby Club in May.

More than 200 walkers and runners stepped forward to keep alive the memory of the sporty teenager who inspired everyone he met, including teachers, staff and pupils from several Gravesham schools.

Ben’s parents Neil and Donna Johnson, along with family friend Sharan Berry who organised the event, were hoping to raise around £10,000 for Leukaemia Research but this target was smashed thanks to the hundreds who donated.

Full story in this week's print edition of Gravesend Messenger, out Thursday, September 18.