Memorial Bench for Shirley

Hey all,

My name is Lauren and I am granddaughter of the beautiful Shirley Sullivan, as most that knew her she sadly passed away on 20th of April 2020. My grandma Shirley was very popular in the community, she was respected and had lots of friends around Margate, surrounding areas and further afield. She was much loved person in the community that continued as the years went on, running pubs such as New Inn, rumours nightclub and the Bulls head, along with many other pubs that she managed or worked in over Thanet. She was most respected particularly the LGBTQ community, where she helped so many people by giving them a safe space to be themselves and for supporting them, especially in the 1980s when LGBTQ community were not as easily accepted as they are today day. She was a complete legend and said it how it was, tbh I don’t know anyone who didn’t love her!!

My grandma was my biggest supporter and best friend and she left me 3 months before I gave birth to my dear son. One of her most wanted things was to watch one of her grand babies, have a baby and she was so close and excited to meeting him but the angels opened up their gates for her too early. With this, my grandma wanted to be cremated and wasn't buried so obviously now my son Kai is 3 and he asks questions frequently about her, I would really love for somewhere we could go and speak to her, lay flowers and spend time remembering her. As much as I know others friends and family would love the same, and visit the bench on anniversary’s and birthdays. I’m sure there are also some people out in the community and out of the area that would like to sit and chat with her so please can you help me raise some money to make this happen ❤️

Thank you xx