A SPECIAL nursing post supporting children suffering from heart disorders has been created by Grayswood-based charity The Ben Williams Trust, with the help of local fundraisers and supporters. 'Ben's nurse' – as Catherine Renwick will be known to children – takes up the post at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London. The trust was founded two years ago, following the death of a 14-year-old Haslemere boy, Ben Williams. Ben, who attended Haslemere Heights prep school and later, the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, was a great cricketing fan and talented wicketkeeper. He played for Grayswood Cricket Club, his own schools and also for the Surrey Schools' side. Ben was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia, which meant that he was unable to take exercise or play sport and for some time could not attend school. Following treatment, Ben returned to school at the RGS in February 2006, but tragically, collapsed in class and died shortly afterwards. Ben's family, Gilly and Phil Williams and Ben's older brother Jonathan, plus a number of friends, established a charity to remember Ben. Supporting youth cricket was an obvious choice for The Ben Williams Trust, but the trustees also felt very passionately about supporting other children with heart arrhythmia (abnormally fast or slow heart beats). Trust secretary Debbie Grimwood told The Herald: "The Williams' experience confirmed that there was a real need for a specialist nurse, who would provide practical and emotional support to children with arrhythmia and of course, to their families who are going through a very stressful, difficult and uncertain time. "The Royal Brompton is recognised as a centre of excellence for children with such conditions. Now that this groundbreaking post has been established, with the appointment of Catherine Renwick, we are working hard to raise the funds to secure the post's long-term future." Gilly Williams, Ben's mother and a trustee of the Ben Williams Trust, said: "Since the charity was launched we have been overwhelmed by support from the people of Haslemere. I cannot thank people enough for their generosity. We have been very focused on trying to provide help for children with these types of heart problems, some of whom are at risk of sudden death, and to their families. "By providing specialist expertise, Catherine will make sure that children are as well equipped as possible to face what lies ahead. She will also liaise with schools and other professionals so that they understand what is involved with their conditions." 'Ben's nurse' Catherine added: "I'm delighted to be selected for the post. It's fantastic that the trust will be making a huge difference to the children and their families through this post." In two years, the trust has raised over £125,000 with a significant contribution from friends, family and the local community. Fundraising activities have included a dinner for over 300 people at the Brit Oval, sponsored walks, an annual cricket match at Grayswood, coffee mornings and a sale of Christmas wreaths. In addition, the Grayswood Cricket Club chairman's ball committee donated the proceeds of over £12,000 from an event held last summer and the trust is one of the nominated charities at Woolmer Hill School. The Ben Williams Trust has also helped fund specialist coaching for two young Surrey wicketkeepers by ex-England Captain and trust patron Alec Stewart, and the current Surrey wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty. If you would like to make a donation to the trust visit http://www.benwilliamstrust.org.uk">www.benwilliamstrust.org.uk or call Gilly Williams on 01428 651306.
