'Legend on the Bench' installation at Fir Tree Wood

'Legend on the Bench' installation at Fir Tree Wood

A dedication bench for legendary England footballer, Jimmy Greaves, was unveiled at Fir Tree Wood.
Content warning: The following news story discusses suicide. 

 

On 19 March, the 103rd Legend on the Bench was unveiled at Essex Wildlife Trust's nature reserve, Fir Tree Wood, part of the Danbury Ridge nature reserve network. 

This bench is dedicated to Jimmy Greaves, the legendary England and Tottenham Hotspur footballer, who lived locally and walked the woods of Danbury twice a day with his dogs. 

The Legend on the Bench charity raises awareness of suicide prevention. All benches installed as part of this initiative are kept visible in the dark by solar-powered lights, illuminating contact numbers and QR codes linking directly to crisis support services. 

The bench was unveiled by Micky Hazard and his sister, Michelle Hazard. Michelle, who sadly lost her son to suicide, founded the Legend on the Bench and is working tirelessly to encourage people to talk and seek support.

Photo of Jimmy Greaves' friends and family sat on bench installed at Fir Tree Wood

Essex Wildlife Trust is pleased to support the bench installation. The Trust's nature reserves are managed as refuges for wildlife and places of conservation, but also as ways for people to engage with nature, which plays a significant role in people's physical and mental health.

Sharon Stenhouse, Philanthropy Assistant for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:

"Essex Wildlife Trust was truly honoured to support Micky and Michelle Hazard with the 103rd ‘Legend on the Bench’ installation, along with Jimmy Greaves' family and the Jimmy Greaves Foundation. Our Legacy Team has the privilege of working with individuals and families across Essex to help them discover a meaningful and personal way to remember someone they love. We understand how deeply our nature reserves connect with people, often providing comfort, reflection and a sense of peace. We hope that this bench provides a safe place for everyone visiting Fir Tree Wood, and helps those who need it most."

Our Legacy Team are always on hand to discuss in-memory donations and memorial services. Contact us by email or call 01621 862987. 

Support services 

You are not alone and help is available. Legend on a Bench will help you find the support you need. Click on the button below to find out where to get help if you are having suicidal thoughts, and what to do if you are worried about someone else.

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