Benedict’s best friend and long time companion was his cuddly monkey, Ray. When Benedict died, to give comfort to his friends and family, his parents bought them each their own cuddly Ray. Although for them it was a visual reminder of the monkey that had been a big part of their lives, it was also a physical comfort and a tangible way to hold and remember someone they loved.

The children in Benedict’s class, and his little sister Etta found the greatest comfort in talking to their Ray and cuddling it as a way of remembering him, so a way of taking forward his legacy and ensuring Ray is remembered as much as Benedict is, we launched the BenedictsRaysofLight. Families who have lost a child can request a free cuddly monkey which will be sent out to bereaved siblings in the hope that they will be comforted too.