Home / Crime and Justice / Kindness Replaces Vandalized Memorial Bench
Kindness Replaces Vandalized Memorial Bench
7 May
Summary
- A memorial bench was destroyed by vandals in Central Park.
- A local motel owner raised funds to replace the destroyed bench.
- The bench was in memory of a young man who died in 2023.
A memorial bench, installed in Central Park, Scunthorpe, in memory of Mathew Dook, was vandalized and broken in December. His mother, Sue Dook, expressed her devastation at the destruction of the bench, which held significant sentimental value. She had placed it in a cherished spot in the park, commemorating Mathew, who died in 2023 from diabetic ketoacidosis at the age of 19.
Moved by the story, Harold Payne, owner of a local motel and cafe, initiated a fundraising effort. By placing a collection bucket in his cafe, he successfully gathered enough donations to purchase a replacement bench. Payne stated his motivation was to help Sue and restore her faith in humanity, having been disheartened by the senseless act of vandalism.
