100 Benches—One Legacy

Water Gardens, Harlow – February 26th

In honour of Clive Worthington

Where does one begin? Maybe at the start.

I woke up on the morning of February 26th 2026 feeling excite and nervous at the same time. After all, we were installing our 100th Suicide Prevention Bench, a huge milestone. A moment filled with pride, and emotion.

Off we drove to the Water Gardens in Harlow, where our 100th bench would stand, as a permanent reminder that hope is always within reach.

Upon arrival at the Civic Centre, where the reception was being held, it wasn’t long before the area was filled with people gathering for the reveal. And what a turnout it was, more than 200 people. Simply unbelievable, Mayors, council members, High Sheriffs, community leaders, and supporters all stood shoulder to shoulder.

Among those in attendance were former Spurs legends. Ossie Ardiles, Graham Roberts, Mark Falco, Gary Mabbutt, and Pat Jennings.

We were also honoured by the presence of Tony Mortimer from East 17, and Tony Stevens representing Tottenham Hotspur. The support was overwhelming. Thank you, every single one of you.

We made our way to the bench, a bench in memory of Clive Worthington, where the High Sheriff introduced Kris from Branson Leisure, our bench maker.

Kris spoke beautifully about his work and business partner Clive, who sadly took his own life, Clives family were in attendance and and must have felt very proud the way Kris spoke about their father. His words were raw, honest, and deeply moving. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight. It was a poignant reminder of exactly why we do what we do. Clive would be looking down with so much pride Kris, you did him proud.💙

A Surprise No One Saw Coming

Back inside the reception room, more speeches followed. The High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh spoke with such warmth and grace, about our wonderful charity and the need for more awareness of mental health.

Then, completely unexpectedly, she announced that my sister Michelle had won the High Sheriff’s Award for Service to the Community. What a moment, I thought my heart was going to burst with pride, my younger sister Michelle being presented with an amazing award, wow. After everything she has given, everything she has poured into helping others, she was recognised in the most beautiful way. Watching her walk back to her seat holding that award, high fiving with her along the way, it felt perfect. Sometimes kindness and compassion does get noticed. There is no one more worthy 💙

Next came Dan, our local councillor, who delivered a brilliant speech, complete with some Spurs banter in honour of his dad. Then came another shock announcement, The council would be donating £5,000 to our charity. Gobsmacked doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you, Dan and the council, for your unbelievable generosity. You are helping us save lives. 💙

Finally, Lee, Jay’s father, rose to speak. His words were filled with profound meaning, resonating deeply with everyone in the room. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight especially his own, as he delivered an emotional and deeply poignant speech, spoken wholly and sincerely from the heart.🙏

The food at the reception, provided by Café Cornell of Saffron Walden, was quite simply the best buffet I have ever seen. Beautifully laid out, Delicious, a spread to be proud of. And here’s the remarkable part, they donated everything. Not a single penny charged. Brian, Sam and the entire team, you are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Your generosity inspires me to be a better person. Thank you. Truly. 💙

We were also honoured to have Porsche and Volvo represented at the reception, and another wonderful surprise followed. Both Porsche and Volvo have chosen Legend on the Bench as their fundraising charity for the year. Incredible support. Incredible people.

A big shoutout and a huge thank you to Water Gardens in Harlow, your kindness and hospitality was amazing. You have driven this Bench Reveal from day one and we thank you with all our hearts, another Bench in the public domain saving lives. Thank You.

The turnout was staggering. The support echoed far beyond the numbers in the room. It was a day full of surprises, all good ones, and a day that will stay with us forever. But most of all, it was a day of pride.

Thank You

Emma for your unwavering dedication and support and for helping us get this over the line.

The Council, for your support, use of the Civic Centre, and your generous donation of £5,000, WOW

Dan and Julie, for your passionate words and support for our charity 💙

Brian, Sam and your incredible team, for your generosity and love.

Ossie, Mark, Robbo, Gary and Pat, your support means more than you know. Thank you, you’re the best.

Tony Mortimer from East 17, thank you for using your voice to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.

Tony Stevens, a true gentleman, always there with ideas and encouragement, in his efforts to support the cause.

All of You Wonderful People, Thank You for your unwavering support, we are truly honoured.

And to everyone else, whether named here or not, whether in attendance or not, please know this:

This 100th bench is yours.

This legacy belongs to you.

You helped build it.

You made it happen.

You are saving Lives.

And together… we are only just getting started.

Thank you. Every single one of you. You are making a difference. You are saving lives. 💙💙🙏