Fourteen-year-old Ben Horton, from Edgeley, Stockport, tragically passed away on January 11, 2025, after being found unresponsive in his bed. The heartbreaking discovery was made by his mother, Zoe Thompson, who immediately initiated CPR and called emergency services. Ben was rushed to Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital, where he was placed on life support. Despite the medical team’s best efforts and a two-day fight for his life, Ben’s condition remained critical. Tests revealed that oxygen deprivation had caused irreversible brain damage. With the devastating realization that Ben would not recover, the agonizing decision was made to withdraw life support.
Zoe, overwhelmed by grief, shared her profound sorrow in a heartfelt tribute to her son. Describing Ben as her “angel” and expressing her unconditional love, she recalled the horrifying moment she found him unconscious, his lips and fingertips blue. The unexpected trauma of performing CPR on her own child underscored the sudden and devastating nature of the loss. The image of a mother desperately trying to revive her young son paints a vivid picture of the unimaginable pain she endured. The tribute is a raw expression of a mother’s love and the unbearable pain of losing a child.
As the community grappled with the news of Ben’s passing, an outpouring of support and condolences emerged. A GoFundMe page was established to assist the family with funeral expenses and other related costs, reflecting the community’s desire to alleviate some of the burden during this difficult time. The page became a platform for sharing memories of Ben, highlighting his infectious smile, his kind nature, and his captivating stage presence. The collective grief expressed through online platforms demonstrated the impact Ben had made on those around him.
Among the numerous tributes shared, one recalled Ben’s performance at a Stockport Academy awards evening, where his singing and radiant smile uplifted the audience. This anecdote captures a snapshot of Ben’s vibrant personality and the joy he brought to others. Another tribute described him as a “lovely, polite, caring boy,” emphasizing his positive character traits and the lasting impression he left on those who knew him. These shared memories painted a portrait of a young boy who touched many lives with his kindness and cheerful spirit.
The Sir Robert Peel hotel also joined the community effort by organizing a donation collection to support Ben’s family. This local initiative further demonstrated the collective desire to offer comfort and assistance during a time of immense sorrow. The combined efforts of individuals and local businesses underscored the strong sense of community and the shared desire to honor Ben’s memory. The widespread support reflected the profound impact of Ben’s passing on the entire community.
The sudden and tragic loss of Ben Horton has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family and the Edgeley community. His mother’s poignant tribute encapsulates the immeasurable love she had for her son and the devastating pain of his untimely passing. The community’s outpouring of support, through donations, kind words, and shared memories, serves as a testament to the impact Ben had on those around him. While the grief remains palpable, the collective support offers a glimmer of comfort amidst the profound sadness. The community’s efforts to celebrate Ben’s life and support his family underscore the enduring power of human connection and compassion in the face of tragedy.
