Benji’s Big Brummie (Blue)Print

Hello, we are Ruth Harvey and Liz Garlinge, two admirers of the man, the legend, la grande dame of Birmingham, Benji.

You may know that Ben has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and has been undergoing treatment. Recently, he has moved to some short term steroid treatment to try and shrink the tumours, to hopefully get back onto his treatment plan. But, this may not work, and if it doesn’t, they may stop treatment. And the prognosis in that case would be probably “a few months”

We’re raising funds for an original portrait of this beautiful man, one that he can enjoy during his lifetime and, one day, pass on to his family. The portrait was Ben’s idea - the fundraising idea came from his friends.

Whether you’re a fan of Ben:

* as a newly emerging artist - literally arriving at the party early at 26 weeks, weighing only 2lbs 2oz (less than a kilo, for you Europeans!)

* his mid-stage career - being called a “known troublemaker” by the then-CEO of London Midland Trains

* his more recent work, supporting artistic endeavors in and around Brum (ever seen him in a turquoise feather boa, dancing in the first wave of the parade at Pride?)

We know times is hard for people; if you can, contribute financially (any contribution is valuable) towards this tribute for Ben so that we can make this idea a reality.

We will commission an artist once we know how much we are working with, we plan to pay an artist (ideally Midlands based & LGBTQ+) to make a new visual artwork to bring joy & light for everyone. A small thank you for all the love, depth and fabulousness Ben has brought to us so far.

Thank you for reading this far and please share this fundraiser with everyone you think would be interested in supporting our gift of love.

Ruth, Liz & many other admirers xxx