Today, we have been in conversation with a former professional footballer Micky Hazard & his sister Michelle who has been deeply affected by the loss of her Son and Micky’s nephew.

Tragically, their family experienced the heartbreaking loss of Jay who took his own life due to mental illness. This profound loss has inspired them to establish a charity called "Legend on the Bench," dedicated to reducing the number of tragedies caused by mental health issues and suicides each year.

The mission is clear: to place informative benches in every local park across the UK. These benches will feature contact telephone numbers and QR codes that direct individuals seeking support to vital resources. Equipped with integral lighting, these benches will serve as beacons of hope for those in crisis during the night.

With 24-hour support services available, real people are ready to listen and provide assistance to anyone grappling with feelings of depression, bereavement, loneliness, anxiety, and more. Conversations are underway about bringing one of these benches to our community, as we believe it could make a significant difference for many.

The cost of each bench is £2,000 GBP. We are setting up a JustGiving page for "Legend on the Bench" with the hope that everyone will join us in this important endeavor. Our area has seen an alarming rise in suicide rates, and this bench could be a lifeline for someone seeking help. When someone sits on this bench feeling overwhelmed, your simple act of stopping by and asking if they are truly okay could change their life.

This bench will also serve as a place for reflection and remembrance for those we have lost. We aim to honor their memory while providing support for those who feel isolated or unheard. Too many individuals today feel they have no one to talk to or no one willing to listen or help.

We want everyone struggling with mental health challenges to know that we care deeply and are here to listen and support them. Any contribution you can make towards bringing this bench into our community would be immensely appreciated. Together, we can create a space that fosters understanding and compassion for all who need it.

Please share this message widely as we work together towards making a meaningful impact.