Legend on the Bench, the charity set up by former Spurs and Chelsea footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle, in memory of her son, Jay Mead, today unveiled its 100th bench in The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex. This marks an important milestone for the initiative, which aspires to install its specially designed benches in every local park in the UK – giving anybody struggling with mental health the clear message that ‘someone is always listening’. The benches are integrated with a solar powered LED light and access to support services via QR codes and telephone numbers. Today also marks exactly six years since Jay’s death and two years since the first bench was unveiled for Jay in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
The 100th bench was donated by Branson Leisure, the co-designer and supplier of benches to the charity from the outset. It is dedicated to former Branson Leisure co-owner, Clive Worthington, who lived in Harlow and sadly took his own life in 2022. The unveiling was attended by supporters of the charity, including ex footballers Osvaldo Ardiles, Pat Jennings, Mark Falco, Graham Roberts and Gary Mabbutt, East 17 singer Tony Mortimer, as well as some of Clive’s closest friends and family.
“It’s brilliant to see how quickly the initiative has grown since Michelle first contacted us
about the first bench for Jay. I loved the idea from the start and it’s an honor to have
been able to be part of it in some way. When it came to the 100th, I knew immediately
that I wanted to donate this one in Clive’s memory. At 16, I started as Clive’s carpenter and joiner apprentice within his business, Prestige Line. Five years later, Clive and I took over the Branson business together as equal partners. I never imagined running or owning my own business, especially at such a young age; and Clive gave me that opportunity. I had an exciting future ahead of me and Clive was able to eventually retire,” said Kris Laskowski, Director, Branson Leisure Ltd.
In order to reach its ultimate goal of having a bench installed in every local park in the UK, Legend on the Bench hopes that companies will consider corporate donations of benches in their local areas, and that individuals impacted by suicide might wish to take part in fundraising to have a bench installed in the name of their loved one. The charity is also looking for volunteers to help support with the increasing workload as the initiative grows. The charity is 100% volunteer supported and makes no profit – all fundraising goes directly to the cause.
Gina Tilly, Clive’s daughter, said, “When Kris told me about Legend on the Bench and that the 100th would be dedicated to Dad, I was incredibly touched. I know without question that Dad would be deeply proud. He was always the first to help people, especially those who were struggling, so it feels especially fitting that this bench, made by his friend and business partner and placed in his name, might offer support and comfort to someone when they need it most. Dad was 81 when he took his life. Michelle’s son Jay was only 23. Mental health issues can impact people of all ages and from all walks of life – it’s so important that they know, wherever they are, that support is out there and that people really do care.”
According to the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM):1
There are 200,000 suicide attempts each year. Enough people to fill the O2 Arena ten times over.
125 people die by suicide every week in the UK. That’s 18 people a day. One every 90 minutes – the same amount of time as a football match
Suicide is the biggest killer in men under 50. And the suicide rate for young women under 24 has seen the steepest increase since records began.
