Tributes paid to Ben (From Bucks Free Press)

Tributes paid to Ben

9:34am Thursday 12th August 2004 in News By Sitala Peek

FRIENDS and family of Ben Cargill gathered at the spot where he was killed to pay tribute to him.

Ben's parents, James and Judith, joined 50 of his relatives and friends in Lowndes Park, to honour the 24 year-old landscape gardener from Chesham who was stabbed on Sunday, August 1.

Chesham's mayor, Cllr Mohammed Bhatti expressed his sorrow for the "tragic loss of young life" and called for one minute's silence at 2.30pm on Sunday.

He said: "I was really shocked and saddened to hear of the incident that took place here in Lowndes Park last Sunday and my thoughts are with his friends and family.

"Before the band commence with the tribute concert I would like to ask that you join me in observing a minute's silence out of respect for Ben or Beano as he liked to be known," he added.

Afterwards Ben's parents told Cllr Bhatti how much it had helped them to hear himshare in their grief.

Ben's mother told the Star: "The service went off really well and we were very touched that the mayor wanted to do this for us.

"Everybody has been so wonderful. People who were in the park that day as well as the nurse and doctors who helped Ben all came and introduced themselves and it was a great comfort to us to know he wasn't alone."

The family is preparing a service for Ben's funeral on Friday, 13th August, but his mum said it was going to be a difficult day.

She said: "This has just broken us in two.

"It's so tragic to lose your child and the pain is almost unbearable, I just don't know how we will cope."

The funeral of Ben is due to take place at 3pm at the Chilterns Crematorium, in Whielden Lane, Amersham.

Robert Browning 22, of Bellingdon Road, Chesham has been charged with Ben Cargill's murder.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Reading Crown Court on October 14.