On Thursday 24th March, Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) approved the location of a memorial bench in memory of Grace Brockelsby.
Grace had been a resident of Boston all her life but sadly died in 2019, having struggled greatly with her mental health in her later years. Her passing left those around her questioning if they could have done more to help.
Since Grace’s passing, Lisa Tague (godmother to Grace and family friend) sparked the idea of creating a bench in memory of Grace, hand-carved with all her favourite things as a permanent reminder of how much she meant to the people around her.
The bench would also create a space of reflection for those who struggle with their mental health by having details of the mental health charity Mind. The bench would include the charity’s helpline number, opening hours, and a QR code that links to www.mind.org.uk/grace which is tailored towards support for younger people.
Over the last few months, Lisa has been working hard to make this vision become reality. In working alongside Boston Borough Council, Lisa has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise funds for the bench, sent plans to a local wood sculptor and had donations from residents, including a £1000 donation from BTAC.
Last month, plans for Grace’s bench were becoming reality. It has been approved by the BTAC Committee that the bench will be sited in Boston Central Park, opposite the newly built Skate Park, with St Botolph’s and the playing field in the background.
£2,050 has already been donated towards the bench, but more is still needed to reach the target of £2,800. Lisa is determined to meet the target and has many fundraising plans lined up in the near future.
Lisa Tague, godmother to Grace and fundraiser for Grace’s bench said, “I am truly overwhelmed by all the support and love for Grace. I hope that together we can make a difference with the bench, however small to all those who still suffer with their mental health.”
“I’d like to thank each and every person who has taken time to message, donate, give time, support or even read Grace’s story. We are so grateful to everyone for the fantastic support and for the community being so accepting of the idea.”
“Thank you to Councillor Goodale and the team at Boston Borough Council for the donation and all the support in making this project possible. We are hoping the bench will be ready for everyone to enjoy in June.”
Councillor Paul Goodale, Chairman of the Boston Town Area Committee said “We are honoured to be a part of Grace’s legacy. The bench will be a perfect addition to the Central Park, where not only Grace’s friends and family can remember her by but it will also be a space for the public to reflect. Lisa has worked hard to make this idea become a reality and we look forward to seeing the bench finished in all its glory!”