A Scunthorpe mother whose memorial bench dedicated to her late son was smashed to pieces has expressed her gratitude after a stranger stepped forward to fund its replacement.
Sue Dook had placed the bench in Central Park to honour her son Mathew, but vandals destroyed it in December.
Harold Payne, owner of the Anglia Motel and D Day Cafe near Fleet Hargate, Holbeach, learned of the incident and collected sufficient donations at his establishment to purchase a new bench.
“There are some nice people out there who are willing to go above and beyond and help other people,” Ms Dook said.
“That kind of restores your faith in humanity.”
Mathew passed away in 2013 at just 19 years old after developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin.
His mother purchased the memorial bench on what would have been his 30th birthday, choosing its location in Central Park with particular care.
“We were just absolutely devastated,” she said of discovering the vandalism.
Vandals destroyed the memorial bench in Central Park in December
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“It was a birthday present for him, for a birthday that he wasn’t around for.”
The bench held deep significance as a place where Ms Dook could sit and reflect on her son’s memory, meet relatives, and where Mathew’s friends could bring their children.
Mr Payne has a long history of charitable endeavours, having previously helped World War Two veterans make journeys back to Normandy among other fundraising efforts.
Upon learning about the destruction of Mathew’s memorial, he felt compelled to act.
Harold Payne owns the Anglia Motel and D Day Cafe in Fleet Hargate
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“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.”
To gather the necessary funds, Mr Payne positioned a collection bucket inside his cafe alongside a notice detailing what had happened to the bench, allowing customers to contribute to the cause.
Ms Dook described Mr Payne as “a remarkable man” with “such a huge heart” for his willingness to help a complete stranger during such a difficult time.
The gesture has inspired her to continue the cycle of generosity, with plans to donate funds she has raised separately back to Mr Payne and his charitable work.
She said she would do it “so he can pay it forward and go and help somebody else”.
“That’s what Mathew would want,” she added, expressing her hope that the money could enable Harold to assist others in need.
For Ms Dook, the kindness shown by Mr Payne demonstrates that compassion still exists, even in the face of senseless acts of destruction.