Shortly after starting his Year 13 studies at Saint Gregory’s Bath, Ben Saunders faced a challenge no one could have predicted. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer sarcoma attached to his heart and later spreading to his lungs, instead of a typical final year, Ben then began a journey that included chemotherapy and major surgery.
Throughout this, Ben has been an inspiration as he has faced continued health challenges and yet still maintained his cheerful, optimistic spirit. A popular student with an incredibly bright future, great talent and intelligence, the adjustment to a different pace of life must have been exceptionally hard however, in true Ben style, he has been focused on what he can do to support other young people who find themselves in this situation.
The Year 13 student has launched the Ben Saunders Foundation, which Saint Gregory’s Bath will be adopting as their focus charity for the academic year 2020/2021.
Director of Sixth Form, Lucy Butler said: “Having taught Ben I know first hand what a funny, encouraging, caring and courageous young man he was pre-diagnosis and this year he has been an inspiration to his staff and students alike. It has come as no surprise to me that the student who was always more interest in the welfare of others over himself has responded so remarkably to what must have been a terrible year for him and his family.”
“The support he has received from his close friends has been incredible and as a sixth form we want to support the Ben Saunders Foundation fully. Ben’s story and character exemplify what we hope to foster in our students; compassion, integrity and bravery in impossible circumstances. On behalf of the whole school community, we send Ben and his family all our continued thoughts, love and prayers.”
You can donate to the Ben Saunders Foundation here and read more about the Ben Saunders Foundation here
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