Dereham mum thankful for support in funding daughter's bench

Lauren Marsh, from Dereham, has thanked the community for raising money for the bench in memory of her daughter, Bonnie, who died suddenly at just four years old in December 2021, following a short illness.

Bonnie Marsh, from Dereham (Image: Marsh family)

Now a multi-coloured bench with a plaque dedicated to Bonnie ‘Chicky’ Marsh has been installed in the town's central Ellenor Fenn Garden, near the bug houses with butterflies. 

Mrs Marsh said: “When I first saw the bench it was a mix of emotions.

"I was sad because it’s unfair that I have a bench instead of Bonnie, but I was happy because it’s a reminder of how loved Bonnie was.

“This bench means everything to me, my husband and my son Teddy.

The bench, in memory of Bonnie Marsh, will be installed at the Ellenor Fenn Garden in Dereham (Image: Lauren Marsh)

“We have felt so supported by everybody since her death and to be able to have something so colourful in her memory is amazing.

Funds were raised with knitted Bonnie’s Angels sold over Christmas 2021, as well as donations. More than 200 angels were knitted and sold.

The idea was from Mrs Marsh's friend Lyn Milns, without whom the bench would have been impossible.

Lauren Marsh (right) with husband Liam (left), and son Teddy (Image: Lauren Marsh)

Mrs Marsh said: “I would like to thank every single person that knitted an angel, donated and kindly put the angels into their windows, and Jordan Youngs who raised a huge amount and continues to support us now.

“The bench is a symbol of hope, it was picked because it was so bright and beautiful like Bonnie, she would brighten up any room and we hope that in the sunshine, surrounded by butterflies and flowers, it will bring light and happiness in Bonnie's memory.”

The bench plaque in memory of Bonnie Marsh (Image: Lauren Marsh)