Ben Walker
Ben Walker

Ben Walker: A Legacy

Become a donor

Ben's story

In June 2018 Ben Walker, aged 11, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Doctors told the family that the best course of treatment was a stem cell transplant. Fast forward to October 2018, Ben received his stem cell donation from a stranger.

Unfortunately, just ten months later Ben relapsed and sadly passed away.

Ben’s mum, Ginny, and dad James are so thankful to the person who gave them those precious additional months with their son “For a stranger to make a decision to attempt to save another’s life, is selfless and truly heart-warming and we will always be grateful to that very special Angel who stepped up to try. We would not have had the time we did with our son, were it not for their decision”

Every stage in Ben’s journey has been poignant, from finding a donor and having his transplant within six months of diagnosis, to returning home in December 2018 in time for Christmas. Which heartbreakingly turned out to be the last spent as a whole family of five. “It was a magical Christmas to have Ben home..wonderfully understated, just being glad to be all together under one roof”

Setting up a blog, www.bensepicjourney.org, the Walkers had tracked and shared Ben’s progress. This proved to be just the start of a lifelong commitment to raise awareness and the need for as many people as possible to register and potentially become a stem cell donor.

Every year, around 2,000 people in the UK are searching for an unrelated matching donor. Which is the DKMS mission. Every person who knew Ben and knows the family have contributed. Swimathons, drumathons and running challenges: every endurance has been physically active, not only reflecting Ben’s fight but his highly creative nature and keen interest for music. Dad James a drummer and influence, made Ben immensely proud.

Ginny and James are determined to shine positivity for others in Ben’s name. Take DKMS Rocks - rocks hand painted with a message, hidden across the UK, US, as well as in Copenhagen, Disneyland Paris, Malta and South Africa; all in the hope they will make someone smile or brighten their day. There is also Ben’s Epic Christmas Boxes and Stockings, they were so well received it is been done again this year.

Currently, Virtual Camino de Santiago de Compostela is the fundraising aim behind Ben’s legacy, walking, running or cycling the 480 miles to help fundraise for DKMS. Ginny ran, virtually 120 miles in May 2020, so is well prepared for this challenge. Finishing on Valentine’s Day 2021, 14 February is important an important date, anniversary milestone, marking 100 days post-transplant for Ben. Show Ginny support by registering or donating below.

Ginny has started a podcast www.podbean.com and written a memoir ‘Family of Five’ which will be self-published in October 2020. Both are to help grieving families with the loss of a child, or sibling.

If you are unable to register as a potential donor, we would be very grateful if you could consider making a contribution towards the cost of a registration.

Make a gift
Each new potential donor costs us £40 to register. You can help cover our costs by making a gift today.

Ready to become a potential lifesaver? Join the register now