Sue Dook installed the bench in memory of her 19-year-old son Mathew, only for it to be destroyed.
A mother has thanked a man who donated enough money to replace her son's memorial bench after it was "broken to pieces". Sue Dook installed the bench in Central Park, Scunthorpe, in memory of her son Mathew, only for it to be destroyed in December.
After seeing the story on the BBC, Harold Payne, who owns a motel near Fleet Hargate, Holbeach, raised enough money at his cafe to purchase a replacement. Sue said: "There are some nice people out there who are willing to go above and beyond and help other people. That kind of restores your faith in humanity.
"Mathew, who was 19, died in 2023 from diabetic ketoacidosis – a condition caused by a severe lack of insulin. Sue said she bought the bench on what would have been his 30th birthday and "specifically placed" it at a spot in Central Park.
She added: "It's somewhere we can go, we can sit, we can think about him and now it's coming up to nicer days, I can meet family there and his friends can take the kids there.
"Harold, who owns the Anglia Motel and D Day Cafe, said he had raised money for various charities and people over the years, including helping World War Two veterans to return to Normandy. "It really wound me up because it was something very special for his mother," he said. "When you see something like that, what people have done, just sheer vandalism, it breaks your heart.
" He raised the money by putting a bucket in his cafe, next to a sign explaining what had happened to Mathew's bench. She hoped to donate money raised separately back to Harold and his charity "so he can pay it forward and go and help somebody else". One in three physio appointments missed
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Widow of man falsely accused of Glasgow woman's murder 'plans to sue' authoritiesSougat Mukherjee died in Mumbai in 2023 after being falsely accused of murdering Tracey Wilde in 1997.
Read more »
At 74, I receive £44,000 from pensions – I feel bad it’s more than my daughter earnsRetired deputy headteacher Sue Hanning says it was worth making sacrifices in her early career and then deferring her state pension
Read more »
David Haye Announces Legal Action Against ITV Over I'm A Celebrity EditingFormer boxer David Haye has confirmed plans to sue ITV for alleged defamation and manipulation of his appearances on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, claiming the editing caused irreparable damage to his brand. Haye denies seeking £10 million in damages, stating the actual amount is significantly higher. The legal dispute follows accusations of bullying and misogynistic comments made during the show's 2023 season.
Read more »
'Sturdy' garden storage bench now £24 off in deal beating AmazonShoppers can snap up the stylish yet practical wooden storage bench for less in a double deal
Read more »
'Sturdy' garden storage bench reduced by £24 in 'even cheaper than Amazon' dealShoppers can snap up the stylish yet practical wooden storage bench for less in a double deal.
Read more »
Community Unites for Massive Walking Challenge to Honor Memory of Stephen Mitchell and Support Hospice CareOver 100 participants will embark on a grueling two-day trek across Yorkshire to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in memory of Stephen Mitchell.
Read more »