Benjamin ran a vineyard and had a slight pain in his shoulder for more than a year. Then the pain spread – and doctors told him he had just two weeks to live
A father of two and winemaker who was awaiting surgery for a nagging shoulder injury was instead given a shock diagnosis and died suddenly just weeks later at the age of 38.
Ben Mitchell, a vineyard manager for Taylors Wines in Auburn, South Australia, had been suffering from shoulder pain for about a year after tearing a muscle and was planning to undergo surgery after bottling the 2024 wine in the coming months.
But in November and December the pain got worse and started spreading to his back.
He was taken to Clare Hospital and then transferred to Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide to undergo a number of tests. This showed that there was cancer in his peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdomen.
Stunned doctors told him the heartbreaking news and gave him only a maximum of two weeks to live, even with treatment.
Mr Mitchell decided to decline chemotherapy and miraculously managed to watch his four-year-old son compete at Little Athletics before he died on March 8.
Young father-of-two and winemaker Ben Mitchell (pictured, with wife Johanna) has died after a shock cancer diagnosis
The passionate footballer and sports fanatic continued to run 800 meters every morning until the last week of his life.
His wife, Johanna, said he maintained his “go hard or go home” motto even while battling the cruel disease.
She remembered her husband as a “people person” who “enjoyed meeting new people” and serving his local community.
“I will remember his infectious laugh, and his inclusiveness and his kindness,” Ms. Mitchell said The advertiser.
‘He had a way of making people feel welcome, always wanted to have a chat and was genuinely interested in people and their lives.’
A GoFundMe set up for Mr Mitchell’s family by friend Kate Sigut, who said he “passed away after an unexpected and heartbreaking whirlwind of events”.
“Although they should have spent a lifetime together, Ben bravely held out longer than expected to spend precious days with his family,” Ms. Sigut wrote.
‘This sudden and devastating loss has struck everyone who knew Ben with such deep sadness and shock.’
Mr Mitchell decided to decline chemotherapy and managed to watch his four-year-old son compete at Little Athletics before passing away on March 8 (family pictured)
Ms Sigut said Mr Mitchell’s “warmth, kindness and unwavering love” left an unforgettable impression on those who knew him.
She added that Mr and Mrs Mitchell are “beautiful and selfless people” who have worked hard to build a life with their two sons.
“And with this tragedy, their legacy of love and compassion lives on, forever etched in the hearts of those they touched,” the fundraiser reads.
‘Joh and their two boys, Hugo and Thomas, are struggling with the immense loss of their husband and father. They face the enormous challenge of navigating life without His presence.”
The GoFundMe has raised more than $27,000 since its founding on March 19.