Legend on the Bench-Margate

Margate, our 2nd bench of the day revealed.

After the installation of our Bench in Herne Bay, we endured the 25 minute journey to Margate in what can only be described as treacherous conditions to reveal our second Bench of the day.

By the time we reached the seafront, the weather had truly set in. The wind was blowing a gale, rain was smashing against our faces, and the cold cut straight through us. It would have been easy to retreat to the warmth of our cars, to postpone, to wait for a kinder day, but this cause does not wait for perfect weather, so onwards we went.

Standing there on the seafront in Margate, battling the elements, I was overwhelmed, not by the storm, but by the turnout, despite the conditions, people came to support the cause.. They stood shoulder to shoulder, bracing against the wind and rain, because they understood the importance of why we were there. That alone speaks volumes, it shows that this movement, this mission to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention, truly matters.

And then came the moment.

As the cover began to lift and the bench slowly came into view, that familiar wave rushed through me. Pride, emotion, no matter how many times we do this, the feeling never dulls. To see the bench standing there in all its glory, shining brightly, even as the rain lashed against it, was nothing short of magical. In that moment, the storm almost felt symbolic, life can be harsh, relentless and cold but there is always a place to sit, to pause, to reflect, to remember that you are not alone and someone is always listening.

Speeches.

Local councillor Tony Marmo, head of coastal and public rail from Thanet council spoke with passion about the urgent need for greater understanding and awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

Then Ray Berry from East Kent Spurs took to the front. His words were deeply personal. He spoke openly about his own family’s battles with mental health, not with rehearsed lines, but with honesty and courage. There is something incredibly powerful about someone standing in the wind and rain, laying bare their experiences so others may feel less alone. That kind of bravery cannot be overstated.

Ray also shared that East Kent Spurs have raised an incredible £28,000 to fund benches across Kent and to support our charity. Twenty eight thousand pounds raised through community spirit, football, and compassion. That figure is more than money, it represents lives touched, conversations started, and hope extended.

Emily Cowan Knott from Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention team was the last to speak and her words were simply beautiful. She spoke about looking out for one another, about creating communities where it is safe to talk and safe to ask for help. Her words carried weight, especially against the dramatic backdrop of the sea and sky behind them.

Days like this remind me why we do what we do. The weather may have been unforgiving, but the people were not. In the face of wind and rain, there was warmth and togetherness. And in Margate, standing proudly against the storm, is a bench that represents connection, remembrance, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference, together we can be the change we want to see.