Ben Alexander Stirland

Ben died after choking on a pen top while doing his homework.

Ambulance crews fought to save the him on the way to hospital, but he died two days later.

Ben was a pupil at Moorside Community Technology College. Headteacher Jonathan Morris described Ben
as a much-loved member of the school.

"Ben was a much-loved member of our community and I am proud to have been his headteacher."

"He was extremely popular and a very active member of the school, particularly in the performing
arts.

"Ben was also a very bright lad and he will be well- remembered for his sense of fun. Our thoughts
and prayers are with his family at this very sad time."

Ben lived in Consett Road, Castleside, with his mother, Nathalie, stepfather, David and sister,
Briony .

From his Mum

Ben was the most loving sensitive lad who was rapidly changing into a young man. He wanted to be a
Chef and loved nothing more than messing about in the kitchen. He always said he would have his own
restaurant and own an Aston Martin. He loved music and started learning the violin at primary but
stopped and took up the keyboards at secondary. He lived for the playstation! And anything to do
with pc's or gaming. He had been in a few shows at his schools before he died and we were amazed at
what a showman he was. He was on the engineering team, debating club and was on the most talented
and able register at school. He had so much to live for. Ben contracted meningitis at nearly 3 years
of age and when he pulled through this we realised how precious life is and thanked God for every
day that followed.

He loved his family dearly and his friends meant the world to him. He and his sister mean the world
to us and this tragedy has devastated the whole family.

But Ben would hate our lives to stop because his has ended, in this life. He would want us to smile
and make the most of what we have. It was the kind of lad he was. One day when our time comes we
will be with Ben again and until then we have to console ourselves with the fact that he is still
with us in spirit.

My funny, witty, gorgeously amazing boy, you lit up my life, you made me laugh and you filled me
with a love that will never die. When you left us a part of me went with you. But for your sake we
will live our lives to the full and our lives will be worthwhile. Son I am so proud of you and what
you were. You were and always will be my Benj, Never a day will go by whenI don't think of you and
wish I could see you again. Your life touched so many other people's and for that we are all
grateful. We were the luckiest people to have known you and have been touched by you for the last 14
years.

All my love always Benj,

Your Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxx