Councillors representing Hull’s Marfleet Ward have commissioned a bench in Eastern Cemetery for families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide.
A dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday 3 December at 10am at the cemetery on Preston Road. It will be led by East Hull MP Karl Turner. Anyone whose life has been affected by suicide is welcome to attend the ceremony.
Cllr Hester Bridges, who chairs the Park Area, which includes Marfleet, said: “It is an inspired idea to dedicate this bench as a special place for people to go and reflect on their lost loved ones.
“The tragedy of suicide has a devasting effect on the lives of those left behind and having to cope with the grieving process.”
The carved granite bench is located just in front of the chapel in the cemetery grounds. Its inscription reads that it is in memory of “those for whom the path through life became unbearable” and is dedicated to “the families, friends and loved ones who grieve forever, and live with the torment of unanswered questions.”
The bench design incorporates four posy vases for people to leave flowers. In keeping with the rules for all Hull cemeteries, visitors are asked not to leave personal mementoes.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Culture said: “The bench is for people from across the city to have a special place where they can visit regularly and remember happy times spent with their loved ones.
“Hopefully, it will help to make their loss more tolerable.”
