Legend on the Bench, SOBS, Newmarket Racecourse, the Rowley Mile.
Another very special Legend on the Bench reveal, this time at the beautiful Newmarket Racecourse, the Rowley Mile. An absolutely stunning venue with the bench placed in the most easy to access spot, simply amazing.
As always, the unveiling was a beautiful and emotional occasion. There is something incredibly powerful about seeing one of our benches surrounded by people who have taken the time to come together, stand beside it and support what it represents.
The speeches were poignant and honest. Ryans Mum spoke beautifully and emotionally about her son and the need for more support and information around Mental Health. The SOBS representative Debbie French spoke lovely words in support of Ryans family and LOTB, and gave us information about the work that SOBS do for the people left behind.
These benches may look simple, but what they stand for is anything but. They are there to remind people that it’s okay not to be okay, that talking can make a difference, and that sometimes just having somewhere safe to sit, pause and gather your thoughts can mean more than we realise.
A huge thank you to David Allinson. David, your effort, commitment and belief in what we are trying to achieve has been absolutely fantastic. It is people like you who help turn an idea into something real and lasting, creating a place where someone might stop, take a breath and perhaps find the strength to talk.
A special mention to Wayne Bostock and Paul O’Brien, who played such a big part, alongside LOTB, in raising the funds to help make this bench possible and get it installed and revealed. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and generosity are so very much appreciated. The world needs more people like you. 💙
A very special thank you also to Debbie French and SOBS, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide. The work you do supporting people who have been left behind after losing someone to suicide is incredibly important. Bereavement through suicide brings a pain that is almost impossible to put into words, and having somewhere people can turn too for understanding, compassion and support can make such a difference when they need it most. 💙
Please keep doing the amazing work you do. It is so important, so needed, and means more than you probably realise. 💙🙏
A big thank you to Newmarket Racecourse, represented by Ben, Sarah Walters and Paul Latham. Your kindness and support throughout the whole process was amazing. Nothing was ever too much trouble, all we had to do was ask, and you were there to help.💙
And what a wonderful choice of location for the bench. It is absolutely first class and somewhere where I hope it will become a place where people can sit, pause, talk and, most importantly, listen.
Finally, a very special thank you to Ryan’s Mum Louise Taylor seen below with Ryans Grandmother. Your bravery is unequalled, and your words were truly fantastic. I know how difficult and emotional these occasions can be, and your courage in standing there and sharing your words was incredibly powerful. Thank you so much for being there. 💙🙏
And to everyone who came along to support us, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every person who stood there, every conversation, every kind word and every bit of support helps us take another step forward.💙
Together, we are creating more than benches. We are creating places of hope, places where people can stop, talk and listen, and a reminder that no one should ever feel they are alone.
Where there is hope, there is always a way. 💙🙏
Legend on the Bench, keeping the conversation going, one bench at a time.
