A few days ago, our Dukie family lost a valued member tragically early. Matthew Benjamin, always known in School as Benji, joined the School in 2006 at the age of 11, spent two years in Haig House as a junior, before becoming a Wellington boy. He became a prefect and Head of House both of Wellington, and later Centenary. His proudest moment as a Dukie was perhaps when he led Wellington to a famous victory in the Inter-House Singing Competition, and he also enjoyed – and excelled in – athletics and swimming.

Matthew attended the University of Bristol after his A levels in 2013, taking a master’s degree in history. Benji worked in health insurance, and was training to be a paralegal when he fell ill earlier this year, dying of cancer earlier this month at the age of 29.

A number of staff members, including myself & Mr Marsh remember Matthew well as a decent, honest, hardworking boy, always smiling and ready to help. His final School report stated, “He is a compassionate and thoughtful individual with great potential”.

Matthew’s sister Jess, also a Dukie, tells me that he had a bustling social life in Bristol, was loved by all, and was a fierce friend.

Let us pray..

Lord, we give thanks for the life of Dukie Matthew Benjamin, and we take comfort from the knowledge that he is now at peace, and free from pain. Help and support his family and friends through this difficult time, in the sure conviction that they will meet again. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Matthew’s sister Jessica tells me that whilst studying at the University of Bristol, he had a part time job at TGI Fridays, and was happy to sing “Happy Birthday” to any customer who was celebrating on the day of their visit. Benji certainly carried his love of singing, acquired here at School, into his later life, and it is only fitting that we now stand to sing one of our favourite hymns, one that he would certainly have sung in this place many times. Please stand to sing “Guide me , O thou Great Redeemer”.