Kesgrave car meet held in memory of Ben Meader, 25

Cars and bikes of all makes and models were at the Suffolk Aviation Heritage Museum on Sunday, as people came together to remember the life of Ben Meader. 

Ben died from a rare form of cancer, aged 25. 

His sister, Suzie Church, explained that Ben was taken unwell shortly after Christmas two years ago. Tests confirmed that he had a mass behind his heart. 

Ben Meader's family and friends said that Ben would always stand up for what he believed was right, and would defend the underdog. Image: Suzie Church (Image: Suzie Church)Ben Meader was known for his love of cars. Image: Suzie Church (Image: Suzie Church)Sadly, doctors informed Ben at the beginning of this year that the mass had increased in size, and that chemotherapy was no longer working. 

Ben was transferred to the Arthur Ranks Hospice, where he died on May 16.   

Mrs Church said that Ben’s friends and family were determined to raise funds for causes close to Ben’s heart in his memory, and to pay tribute to his great love of cars. 

On Sunday, vehicles of all kinds arrived in Kesgrave for the ‘Ben Meader's Memorial Car and Bike Meet’. 

“It's hard to put it into a few words as to how the day went, but it was successful, emotional, tough and really well-organised,” said Mrs Church. 

“Friends and family came together to support one another through a tough and emotional day.  

"The event was full of your normal daily cars. We had Suffolk Constabulary and Ipswich East Fire Service come out to display some of their vehicles, and we had a Lamborghini, Jaguar and some Mustangs turn up to support the event. Awards were handed out for the top three cars that Ben would have loved."

Cars of all varieties were in attendance at the memorial car and bike meet on Sunday. Image: Liam Fincham (Image: Liam Fincham)Ben Meader's sister, Suzie, said that there were many cars at the memorial car and bike meet that he would have loved. Image: Liam Fincham (Image: Liam Fincham)The family and friends of Ben Meader paid tribute to his great love of cars on Sunday. Image: Liam Fincham (Image: Liam Fincham)Ben Meader's sister, Suzie Church, said that the day was emotional. Image: Liam Fincham (Image: Liam Fincham)In total, £794 was raised in Ben’s memory. The Dogs in Need Agility Society was there on Sunday to present the family with a cheque for £500, which will be donated to the Arthur Ranks Hospice, where Ben spent his last few months. 

The remaining £194 will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.