A FESTIVAL is taking place soon in remembrance of 25-year-old who tragically died last year.

The BenJam will be at Depot in Cardiff on May 2 and will include live music, food and stalls, whilst raising awareness and funds for the charity Welsh Hearts.

It is in memory of Ben McDonald who died at the finish line of the 2018 Cardiff Half Marathon, with all bands giving their services for free including Charlotte Church.

Mr McDonald’s family said: “On October 7, 2018, our world was completely turned upside down when our brother Ben McDonald died at the finish line of the Cardiff Half Marathon. He was 25 years old, fit and healthy, and his death has left our family shattered.

“If you didn’t know Ben then you need to know he was amazing! He was funny, generous, caring, effortlessly cool, adventurous and always smiling, an incredible son, brother, uncle grandson and friend.

“Ben was always great at pulling people together and organising social event so, in honour of him, we want to keep that connection with people going. We are going to celebrate Ben’s birthday in the way that he would; surrounded by people and trying to focus on the positive.”

The BenJam will support Welsh Hearts and the work they are doing across Wales to install defibrillators and offer heart screenings.

It’s estimated that there are 8,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in Wales every year, and survival rates are low. But timely CPR and defibrillation is key for the best chance of survival.

The charity’s heart screening initiative, which has been backed by former Wales Rugby Captain Sam Warburton, involves a test which helps detect previously undiagnosed heart conditions in 10-45 year olds.

Welsh Hearts Charity Director, Sharon Owen, said: “We’re so grateful to Ben’s family for choosing to support us during what has been an incredibly difficult time for them.

“The BenJam will be an opportunity to celebrate Ben’s life as well as spread awareness of our work and hopefully, raise vital funds to allow us to continue our work in Wales.”

Acts include Charlotte Church, Dyme, Jellis and Jacob Sparkes.

The BenJam will also include a raffle, offering CIWW vouchers, Glamorgan T20 tickets, food and drink vouchers, quad biking vouchers and more.

Plus, a Welsh ruby shirt, signed by the team after they won the Grand Slam will also be auctioned off, along with a rugby ball signed by Welsh Hearts ambassador and former Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton.

All ages are welcome, with tickets at £11. Book yours at

eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-benjam-tickets-57988710795