IN LOVING MEMORY OF BEN HARRISON
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF BEN HARRISON
Martyn Best , our inside man at Tranmere Rovers , reports on the very sad passing of fellow Associate Director , the much-loved chair of the Tranmere Rovers Trust , Ben Harrison .
Ben Harrison had Tranmere Rovers running through him , and had been a fan since his first game in 1970 - a half-century of phenomenal loyalty and contribution .
He was a tireless , enthusiastic character , and helped bring so much to the heart of Tranmere Rovers , and was a highly respected and regarded part of everything Rovers related .
The Chairman of Tranmere Rovers Trust since 2008 , Ben worked in the voluntary and commercial sector for 25 years , co-founding Weston Spirit and working as Chief Executive for 18 years . He ran a number of retail and hospitality businesses , notably Home & Homebrew Tap with outlets in Oxton , New Brighton & West Kirby , and played a significant role in restoring the Byrne Avenue Baths , creating the original Tranmere fan ' tent ' and was a key driver behind the soon to be completed Tranmere Garden fan park .
Mark & Nicky Palios , Chair and Vice chair of the club expressed their feelings and regard for Ben , “ It is with enormous sadness that the Club has to report the passing of Associate Director and Chairman of the Tranmere Rovers Supporters ’ Trust , Ben Harrison .
“ The Club would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Polly and his family .
“ In the 9 years since we have been at the Club , Ben became a key member of the senior management team , a trusted advisor , and above all a personal friend to us both . He was absolutely key to the Club forging a fantastic working relationship with the Supporters ’ Trust – something which is rare in football - and which has seen us collaborating so successfully on a number of projects , including support to the local community during Covid and beyond through the delivery of food parcels , and the SWA2 community tickets scheme ( now known as Nate ’ s Tickets ).
“ He dreamed big and was hands-on and indefatigable in bringing those dreams to life – as is so well exemplified by the new fan zone , something that many thought would never happen . That building will stand as a permanent reminder to his vision and tenacity , and it is tragic that he never got to see it opened , although he was closely following its progress right up to the day of his passing .
“ Although Ben became a personal friend , he was never afraid to challenge us when he disagreed with something , and we hugely valued his input , safe in the knowledge that he absolutely had the best interests of this great Club , and its fans , at heart .
“ When you meet people in life , one of the questions we always ask ourselves is “ Would you have them in the trenches with you ?” and the answer in relation to Ben was a resounding “ yes ”. He stood up proudly for everything he believed in , he took on huge challenges and ran at them headlong . As Ben ’ s family so beautifully said , “ He died as he lived , fearlessly and without compromise .”
“ We will both miss him enormously , as will everyone at the Club .”
I personally got to know Ben really closely as we worked together in bringing to life , and then developing the new Tranmere Garden fan park , with our marvellous collaboration with German Kraft Beer . I enjoyed Ben ’ s love of life , and his always positive and enthusiastic outlook , and each time anyone of us will raise a glass in the new Tranmere Garden in the next few months , there will no doubt be the enduring memory of Ben with us .
The Trust and Ben ’ s family have helped create this fundraiser , https :// www . crowdfunder . co . uk / p / ben-harrison and the very kind people at Crowdfunder have joined with us in supporting one of many fitting memorials to Ben ’ s work .
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