Grieving family and friends pay tribute to Ben

9:52am Thursday 4th September 2008

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The funeral of a popular Milford Haven teenager fatally injured in a moped crash will be held on Wednesday.

Sixteen-year-old Ben Bowles, from Hakin, was riding his moped at Pope Hill in Johnston on Sunday, August 24, when he was involved in an accident with another moped, a milk tanker and a car just before 10pm.

Four days after the accident, Ben died at The University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff last Thursday, after being transferred from Withybush hospital.

Photographs, flowers and tributes have been laid at the roadside on Pope Hill and mark the scene of the collision.

Ben was the youngest of three boys and his father Phillip Bowles paid tribute to his son saying he was a beautiful, genuine young man and how they were proud to be his parents.

“He loved his motorbike and spent a lot of time repairing it.

“He had just got it all fixed up.”

“Ben was always out to have a laugh, and make you smile, he had a quirky sense of humour.

“You could always rely on him. He was a good kid and did us proud.

“He was a popular kid and that’s down to his personality.”

Ben had been working for his father, who had helped him to get an apprenticeship in the painting and decorating trade. He had been due to start a course at Pembrokeshire College this term.

Paying tribute to his former pupil, headteacher of Milford Haven comprehensive school, Islwyn Morgan said: “Ben was a popular boy in the school and will be much missed.

“He had recently received his GCSE results and had done well.”

Staff held a minute’s silence for Ben on Monday after receiving the tragic news of his death. A minute’s silence was also held during year 11 and year 12 assemblies.

Pupils are setting up a collection for donations to put a permanent memorial to Ben at the school.

There are also plans to hold a tribute night to Ben organised by Milford based Evolution Experience where a number of Ben’s friends are employed.

Evolution Experience manager Thomas Sinclair said: “He was a popular lad and a lot of people in Milford Haven want to do something to remember him.

“Ben liked all types of music so we will find out all of his favourite bands and make it a personal tribute to him for all his friends and family.”

Ben’s fun-eral will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, September 10, at Rehoboth Church in Lower Hill Street, Hakin, followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Flowers can be delivered to the funeral directors, Tom Newing and Sons by noon on Wednesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses of the accident to contact the Roads Policing Unit at Haverfordwest police station on 0845 3302000.