Ben, who attended Hearsall Community Academy in Earlsdon was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in June 2018. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of tumour that develops in the supporting soft tissues of the body and affects fewer than 60 children in the UK each year.

Ben was stolen from this world in June 2019 at just seven years old.

Despite all the medical treatment, Ben always wanted to help others, to pass the smile. That’s now his legacy, to Pass the Smile.

Ben’s parents Scott and Sarah Crowther set up Pass the Smile in Ben’s name in conjunction with the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group to raise money for research into the disease.

Ben’s mum, Sarah said: “Ben loved this library, he devoured books and we would spend hours here reading stories together and he would always ask for ‘just one more’.

“It is a perfect spot for the gold bench as the Pokestop at the library was also one of Ben’s favourite places to catch Pokemon!

“We are very grateful to the community of Earlsdon, and beyond, for taking Ben into their hearts and remembering him.”

A local resident approached the Council when he noticed the bench was looking a little tired and suggested painting it gold in honour of the Pass the Smile charity.

Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, who led the event said: “I knew we had to do something special with the bench as soon as I was approached about it. When the idea of painting it gold in memory of Ben came up, it was a no-brainer.”

“Ben was a courageous little boy who continues to inspire and help others long after his sad passing. I hope the newly painted bench serves as a reminder of the strong and fearless young man he was, and that it will be Ben’s lasting legacy.”

A video of the painting of the bench can be watched below on on the Council’s YouTube Channel.

Donate to Pass the Smile for Ben.