Help needed to pay for Ben Ashworth memorial service

Louise Ashworth speaking at the memorial service to her husband Ben, with their daughters sat listening

Those who knew Ben Ashworth are being asked to help pay for the bill landed on his wife following the memorial service to the inspirational runner.

Friends and family of Louise Ashworth, from Broadgate, are rallying around to help cover the cost of the audio-visual set up at the Blackburn Cathedral service.

More than 700 people turned out on Saturday (22 July) to celebrate Ben’s life following his five year battle with bowel cancer.

A GoFundMe page has been set up after the bill for the equipment came in – with friends saying they could not see Louise pay for it at this time of mourning.

The AV company had applied a considerable discount but it still leaves a few thousand pounds owing.

Leila Burns, a close family friend who is behind the fundraising effort, has explained why the money is needed.

She said: “When Louise told me she would be holding a memorial service at Blackburn Cathedral I was blown away.

“What a gift and a blessing to us all who have also known and loved Ben. A place where we could mourn him, and celebrate him, and come together. I couldn’t believe it.”

The screens set up for those at the celebration service to Ben Ashworth

Large screens were set up around the Cathedral for the service displaying pictures of Ben and his family and friends. There were also a number of live musical performances needing a full PA system.

Leila, who was bridesmaid at Louise and Ben’s wedding, said: “Because Louise anticipated such a large turnout (700 attended!) it was clear that there would need to be a professional audio-visual set up so that everybody attending would be able to follow the service.

“This came to quite a large bill (even at a hefty discount!). When Louise told me how much it was I was a little shocked to say the least! And that she was happy to foot the bill for us, was just something else.

“But I can’t let her do it! And it turns out a few other friends who know what went on behind the scenes can’t either! She did this for us, and I would love us all to do this for her.

“The amount needed to cover the extra costs of the memorial comes to approximately £5,000. It would be so brilliant if Louise didn’t have to use her savings for her and the girls to foot this bill.

“And, if we can raise a little bit more than that, I would love us all to thank her by giving her a little bit extra so that Louise and the girls can go on holiday together to have some special time.

“I write this hopefully and happily, because I am so encouraged by the huge outpouring of love for Ben and his beautiful family!”

You can donate to help Louise and family via the GoFundMe page.