Vandalism of teen’s memorial piles on misery
THE Wayne Clark memorial seat which was paid for by friends and family of the tragic teen has been vandalised.
Last week marked the second anniversary of the 19-year-old’s death and his loved ones were devastated when they found the £2,000 bench on Peases West walkway near Stanley Crook had been defaced with graffiti.
His mother Liz Simpson, who visited the seat created by artist Graeme Hopper to lay some flowers, said she was furious after she saw someone had scratched the name Zac just above the plaque dedicated to Wayne.
She said: “I would like to know why this person thinks they deserve to have their name on there next to Wayne’s.
“I can’t believe someone would do this, it’s like the same scum who go around destroying graves.
“The people of Crook paid for that memorial and I think they deserve to know how this person has treated it.”
The seat, which features themes from Wayne’s life including a football net and boots, was paid for after more than 130 people played in a sponsored football tournament last year.
Friends also raised money at an auction where signed football memorabilia and shirts signed by top players were sold.
Liz said she is even considering a reward for any information leading to the vandal’s identification.
She said: “This is such a hard time of year for everyone who knew Wayne, that seat was somewhere for us to go and remember him.
Now someone has vandalised it and it is heartbreaking, I am so angry about it, I want to know who is responsible.”
Friends also left bouquets and heartfelt messages at the bench last week. One friend, Kelly, said: “Miss you, always thinking of you, love you forever Wayne.”
Another from Lisa, Nikki and Robbie said: “If only you knew how much you are missed.”