Tributes to leukaemia victim, 17

4:17pm Friday 23rd November 2007

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PUPILS and staff at a grammar school have been paying tribute to a student who died from leukaemia.

Ben Johnson, who was a sixth-form student at Gravesend Grammar School in Church Walk, Gravesend, died on November 13.

The 17-year-old achieved 11 GCSEs and was studying for his A Levels. He was a keen sportsman who enjoyed football and boxing.

The school's headteacher, Geoff Wybar, said: "He was an able student who was dedicated, hardworking and set himself high standards.

"He always took a positive approach to work and accepted advice constructively. Teachers rarely had to nag him about work and he was always proud of his presentation.

"His exuberance, however, was also something which made him widely popular with students and staff. He had a wide circle of good friends who have been devastated by this tragic loss.

"His undoubted determination, inner strength, growing maturity and academic ability suggest he would have been very successful at A Levels, and ultimately in the career of his choice.

"Ben had a zest for life and a positive approach to every challenge that he faced. These qualities made him a good student, a good friend, and a good person just to be around.

"He will be deeply missed by everyone at Gravesend Grammar School and our thoughts are with his family at this most harrowing of times."

His friends have been leaving flowers and tributes at the school.

• If you knew Ben and would like to add your tributes or messages of condolence add your comments below.