The fundraising event in memory of Kirsty Bridges, a young mum from Keynsham which took place at the end of January this year, was an overwhelming success and a memorial bench for her is now in place in Keynsham Park.
The campaign, set up by Kirsty’s mum, Nicola Matthews, for a memorial bench installed in Kirsty’s home town of Keynsham, first featured in The Journal in January.
Nicola said: “My intention from the start was to have the bench in place in time for Mother’s Day, and it was installed on Friday, 24th March, so I was thrilled to know that, as planned, we could have a gathering with friends and family on the day to unveil it.”
Kirsty died very suddenly, aged 29 whilst 21 weeks pregnant, leaving behind two daughters, who now live with Nicola in Westfield. While the plan was initially to have a bench with a memorial plaque, the fundraising evening raised so much money that the family were able to purchase a picnic table, featuring a new design which allows families with pushchairs and wheel chair users to also comfortably use it. It is the only one of its kind in the park.
Nicola adds: “Kirsty’s bench is a lovely addition to the park, and I’m sure it will be well used, which is great, because there will always be something going on around her; so she will always have company and never be alone – and I take great comfort from that.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraiser. What we have achieved means so much; especially to her daughters, eight-year-old Chloe and five-year-old Lacey. It means they now have Mummy’s Special Place where they can go to lay flowers or just be with her for a while.”