Tributes are continuing to pour in for “beautiful soul” Ben Whiteman after his tragic death as a fundraiser in his memory tops £10,000.
Swathes of emotional notes, bouquets of flowers, and photos were left at Chester-le-Street station this week after the death of a man on June 4.
He was named locally as Ben Whiteman shortly after the incident, with hundreds taking the time to pay tribute to the “one of a kind” County Durham man online.
Recent pictures from the station showed how scores of heartfelt messages from friends and family had been left for Ben, alongside balloons, candles, and a teddy.
One message says: “RIP Ben, rest easy my friend. I'll see you in my dreams.” Another added: “Rest easy my bro. I’ll forever be grateful to have met you.”
One person said: “Rest easy mate. I’m so thankful to have spent time with you. I’ll never forget the memories I’ve spent with you.”
Ben has been described online as a “dear friend to many” - with a “contagious” smile that “lit up every room.”
One friend said he was “one of the kindest people and most genuine person I have ever met.”
Since the incident, a Go Fund Me has been set up online in his memory, with the aim to “come together as a community and provide some support for Ben’s family.”
Many generous donations have since been paid towards the total, which had reached £10,450 at the time of writing - £450 above the set target.
The website states: “Ben was dear friend to many, always a smile from ear to ear when he walked in a room and a local lad that no one had a bad word to say about. Which is why we have set up this page.
“With the aim to come together as a community and provide some support for Ben’s family in this unthinkable difficult time, to try to relieve a piece of the weight and allow them to grieve without also thinking about the added financial pressure of Ben's funeral arrangements.
“No family should have to go through this, let’s show some togetherness to support the people that wouldn’t ask for it but I’m sure will appreciate it in this awful awful time.”
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