Tribute to postman Ben Rogers ahead of memorial walk

It was during the pandemic when Amy Scott was given the devastating news that her sibling had died. 

Benjamin Rogers, known by all as Ben, worked as a postman and lived in Cringleford, on the outskirts of Norwich, when he died at home on November 30, 2020. 

During Covid, his mental health deteriorated after he experienced a psychosis episode. 

His sister, Mrs Scott, explained how lockdown had “cut him off” from family and services and things had "began to spiral and get out of control". 

She said: “Together we grew up in the countryside; me, my sister, and Ben - our younger brother.

“Ben loved being outside on his bike, was fascinated by nature and loved to play ‘armies’. Like so many kids his age, Ben was always active and very sporty. He attended all sorts of clubs including gymnastics, judo and swimming.  

“As we grew up, we began to each go our own way. I got married and started a family, Ben was a brilliant uncle, always making the children laugh. Our kids adore him.   

“His mental health was always a concern, and getting professional support was so challenging. We were trapped in a revolving door of mental health services, because of his drug use. 

“It’s been three years since we lost our brother. I find myself still thinking about him and regularly considering the ‘what ifs’. Could I have done more? 

“Ben was 39 when he died. My little brother is gone. He had lost his life to drugs.” 

Earlier this month, Mrs Scott led this year's annual ‘Walk to Remember’ event by The Matthew Project. 

Taking place in Norwich, the walk provides a focal point for people to remember loved ones who have lost their lives or are affected by substance misuse. 

The charity’s champion for this year’s event, Mrs Scott added: “In a weird way I was almost prepared for this to happen as I would often have calls from Ben in the middle of the night to help with one thing or another.  

“It became harder to shock me, and I stopped answering my phone after a certain time each night.  

“It’s hard not to feel guilty, but there is also a feeling of relief, knowing he doesn’t have to wrestle with his head every minute of every day.  

“My experience, though, has taught me that this could happen to anyone. No one chooses to get addicted to drugs.  

“There is still so much stigma attached to drug and alcohol misuse. If someone breaks their leg, people hold the door open for them, carry their stuff. But if someone is high on drugs they are judged and avoided.   

“I [walked] to remember Ben and to raise awareness of The Matthew Project and the support they offer. We have benefited from this as a family since Ben died.  

“I also want to humanise those who have died from drug and alcohol misuse. They are someone’s brother, sister, mum, dad, son, daughter—someone’s loved one.”   

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised contact The Matthew Project via email at hello@matthewproject.org or call 01603 626 123. For more information visit the website www.matthewproject.org/walktoremember  
• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk         
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.