Ben Ellis: fundraiser for injured Cumbrian teenager nears £17,000

People have rallied around 17-year-old Ben Ellis and his family following his serious injuries in an accident.

The JustGiving page was set up after Ben was in an induced coma in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

It followed an accident on the A66 eastbound carriageway between junction 40 of the M6 and Kemplay Bank roundabout when Ben was hit by a lorry.

The crowdfunding page had an initial £1,000 target but has now raised more than £16,800.

The money will help Ben’s family as they visit the Penrith teenager in hospital every day.

It will go towards travel and hotel costs as they support Ben in his recovery.

The JustGiving page, set up by Greg Cameron, has been promoted by clubs including Carlisle United, Penrith AFC and Penrith Cricket Club, the latter two being clubs for whom Ben plays.

Sports stars such as former England wicketkeeper Paul Nixon, from Langwathby, has also shared the appeal.

To donate, visit the JustGiving page HERE

They are all encouraging people to show as much support as possible to the “sports-mad” teenager and his family.

Hi everyone please
help in any way you can. Help raise £1000 to Support Ben Ellis and the rest of the Ellis family. Please #donate on @justgiving and RT

— Paul Nixon (@Paulnico199) June 19, 2023

The crowdfunder says: “Sadly on Wednesday, June 14, Ben was involved in an accident [and] was airlifted to the Newcastle RVI.

“Ben is currently in an induced coma after undergoing surgery having sustained serious injuries.

“Ben, 17, from Penrith, is a sports-mad young man – he plays football for Penrith Football Club and recently got back into playing cricket for Penrith first team.

“He’s also a huge Nottingham Forest fan and a few weeks ago was celebrating the club retaining their Premier League status.

“The Ellis family would like to thank everyone from both Penrith clubs for all the messages of love and support which has meant the world to them all.

“This page has been created in order to raise funds for all the Ellis family as they visit Ben in hospital daily over in Newcastle. The funds raised will go towards travel and hotel costs as Ben is given the utmost support in his recovery.

“Anything that can be donated will mean that the financial strain that will be on Paul, Amanda and James can be lifted and allow them to focus on Ben as he fights in his recovery.

“Ben, we know you won’t see this for a while but everyone is thinking about you and we all know how tough you are – we’re all praying you’ll be back causing mayhem either at football or cricket sometime soon.

“Paul, Amanda and Jimmy, words can‘t tell you how much everyone is thinking of you and at times like this you almost feel helpless, we hope that the money raised will help you in any way possible, we’re all rooting for Ben.”

To donate, visit the JustGiving page HERE