THE family of a boy who died after choking on a pen top are to hold a charity ball to raise cash for a fund set up in his name.

Ben's Fund supports the unit that cared for 13-year-old Ben Stirland, who died after the pen top became lodged in his throat as he did his homework.

The family have organised the black-tie event as they continue to push for the banning of removable pen tops.

Nathalie Hodgson, a 38-year-old youth worker of Castleside, near Consett, County Durham, said last night: "My husband, David, and I were away in Southern Ireland celebrating our wedding anniversary while the children spent some time with their grandparents

"We went through an agonising 15-hour struggle to get back to Ben after a storm hit Ireland and grounded flights.

"Nearly 48 hours after the accident, Ben slipped away, on January 11. His lasting gift was of kidneys donated to two local men.

"Our lives have been devastated and our 16-year-old daughter lost her brother and her friend all in one go."

Mrs Hodgson said Ben loved life and was a showman who took part in school productions, was in the debating club, the engineering team and on the most talented and able register at Moorside Community Technology College where he was a pupil.

She said: "During the time we were at the paediatric intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital, the staff worked tirelessly to try to save Ben's life.

"They worked above and beyond their shifts and, as our baby slipped away, the tears flowed from staff as freely as ours did.

"Their dedication and love of their job was so apparent and we now want to give something back to the unit to help other children in the area.

"The entire proceeds from Ben's Fund will go to the unit to buy specialist equipment."

Mrs Hodgson said an emotional concert at Moorside Community Technology College raised about £1,600, while the sales of pens without lids raised further cash at the school.

The couple will hold the ball at the Derwent Manor Hotel, at Allensford, near Consett, on October 13. Tickets are £40 and can be obtained by calling 07736-455804. The price includes a three-course meal, band, and charity auction, with Gordon Ramsey and the Hairy Bikers having sent signed books and local business having given lots of prizes.