I S S U E N O . 6 ,8 4 5


Y O U R P A P E R , Y O U R V O I C E


www.clittieroeadvertiser.co.uk


Parents’ ‘best friend


byFajzaAfzaai faiza.ateal@jpress.co.uk Twitter@clithadvertiser


The parents of a popular Clitheroe man who died aged 24 after falling down the stairs of his home, have paid an emo­ tional tribute to their“loving, happy and inspirational" son.


Ben Hennessy suffered brain injuries after hitting his head on the concrete floor o fhis home in Bawdlands, Clithe­ roe, on Monday evening of last week. Emergency services were


called and he.was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital where he underwent a CT scan, which showed that there was too much blood on his brain., Ben’s girlfriend o f five


years, Mary Elizabeth Allott and his parents, Martin and Ann Hennessy, made the heartbreaking decision to switch of f the life support


machine the next day. Apopular lad, Ben worked


as a barman at the former Ol­ ive Press restaurant in Clit­ heroe, and more recently at MittonHall. • Two years ago he was diag­


nosed with a rare benign spi­ nal tumour, which left him unable to use his right arm. Describing the moment


he heard his only son fall, Mr Hennessy said: “We had just enjoyed tea together and Ben was sitting downstairs with Mary when he decided to come upstairs for a chat. “The next second we heard .


. him fall and we rushed to his side. I was able to administer ' CPR until the paramedics ar­ rived, but I knew it was too late because oftheforce ofthe im­ pact. He never regained con­ sciousness. Ben also suffered a cardiac arrest and therefore we are unsure as to the cause ofhis death.” “He had been prescribed


steroids due to his tumour and his balance wasn’t very good because ofthe medication. Ben attended St James’Pri­


mary School and Ribblesdale High School, where he is fond­ ly remembered as a “model pupil”. Mr Stephen Cox, head of


Ribblesdale High, said: “Ben was a model pupil whilst at Ribblesdale and he grew into a mature, enthusiastic and well thought ofyoungman. “His teachers have very


; fond memories o f him and the whole school community is deeply saddened by the trag­ ic news of his untimelydeath. “Our thoughts and prayers


are with his family.” On leaving school, Ben


studied at Blackburn College and then Manchester Met­ ropolitan University. He was planning to move to Manches- terwithMarytospendtherest of their lives together. “ T h e y had so m an y


dreams,” said Mr Hennessy. “The day before Ben died,


he was discussing his mar­ riage plans and future with Mary. They were so happy to­ gether. “Ben touched the lives of so


many and his death has left a huge holein our lives. Ann is


absolutely distraught. He was not only our son, but our best friend. He was a very loving person and always happy. “His friends and everyone


: whoknewhimgatheredatour house over the weekend and


, we made wrist bead bracelets in his memory. We will miss him dearly.” ;


.' A funeral service will take place atBurnley Crematorium at 2-20 pm tomorrow (Friday). This will be followed by a cel­ ebration of Ben’s life at Key Street; Clitheroe. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Teenage Cancer Trust by logging onto www.champ fimerals.com !


Ben Hennessy and his girlfriend of fiveyears,Mary Elizabeth Allott Letters 13* Village news 15-17 •The Valley 25 • Family announcements 36* Motors 39 • Sport 53-56


Consistently High Grades Sixth Form Centre To find out more visit www.burnley.ac.uk


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