TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational Bingley dad following his death. 

Ben Wolfenden, 39, lived with Cystic Fibrosis and after complications following a double lung transplant in 2019, he sought potentially life-saving treatment in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Ben and his family relocated to Geneva in November 2020, but the treatment wasn’t granted and Ben’s body faced chronic decline.

He passed away last Friday, leaving behind his wife Daisy and their two young children, Max, seven, and Ivy, four.

As Daisy broke the news on Monday, tributes poured in.

Daisy said: “Whilst the treatment in Switzerland wasn’t granted, we’ve had a beautiful year of memories created and moments of freedom for Ben in Geneva that I wouldn’t have previously thought possible.

“Ben’s condition has worsened over recent weeks to a point his body could no longer sustain. 

"He wanted it to be known that he tried to live to the full right till the end, he fought so hard and tried to treasure every moment.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“Despite a life dominated by pain, his humour and courage shone brightly, and his smile touched the hearts of all who met him.

"Ben was a wonderful friend, mentor, colleague, father, family member and husband. We miss him now and forever.”

Ben was the founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Wolfenden, where Daisy is managing director, and is remembered as an “inspiration” by many in the agency and business community, as well as those affected by Cystic Fibrosis who followed his journey.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

As well as establishing an award-winning digital marketing agency, which now employs more than 40 members of staff, Ben was an avid campaigner for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

After winning the 2014 Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK and £50,000 prize, Ben invested the money into growing his agency, which was then named Visibilis.

The agency has grown significantly ever since and in September 2020, as Ben’s condition began to deteriorate, the agency rebranded as Wolfenden, recognising his influence on the team and their success.

In October of the same year, Ben was voted by his peers as Entrepreneur of the Year at the Leeds Digital Festival Awards, just weeks before he made the long journey by road to Geneva for one last chance at life-saving treatment.

His dedication to Wolfenden and his influence on the agency’s recent success was again recognised in April 2021 when Ben was voted Digital Leader of the Year at the Digital Festival Awards.