Fundraiser in memory of Ian, raft man by Marble Hill Park

Please join our fundraiser in memory of Ian, who lived on his raft by Marble Hill Park since the 1980s. He died on 28th October 2024 at UCLH hospital, London, and is fondly remembered by the local community. Funds will go towards a memorial bench and a donation in Ian's memory to the charity Blood Cancer UK. We aim to sponsor at least one month’s worth of experiments in the lab for researchers to learn more about how to treat blood cancers. Below is an obituary, information about the location of the bench and some photos. Thank you for your kind generosity. Every little helps.

Here is an extract from an obituary in the Spring 2025 edition of the Thames Guardian Magazine published by the River Thames Society:

"Over the years, readers will have passed a collection of rafts and boats moored off Marble Hill Park just downstream of Hammerton's Ferry, perhaps glimpsing a man on them and wondering about his story.

(Ian) lived on this spot for around 40 years, weathering many storms, literally and metaphorically. Sadly, he died in October 2024 at an advanced age.

The many who managed to befriend him or just stopped by for a casual chat describe him as a kind and generous, a rare and wonderful man, very versatile and well-read, whose memory will be cherished.

Recycling and protecting plants and animals were key in Ian's life ... There was the swan raft, the grebe raft, the coots always found a place as did the moorhens, with geese nesting on the roof.

The 'raft man' braved all kinds of weather and river conditions to become part of the landscape and river scene. That he managed to live such a life for so long is truly remarkable and his presence on the river will always be remembered by those passing this spot, despite the fact his rafts have now been removed.

We extend our condolences to his family and friends. "

Ian's raft and floating gardens in the river Thames by Marble Hill Park (on Google Earth)

A poem left for Ian by a tree where the raft used to be.

One of many tributes made to Ian online.

While the Twickenham Riverside has a long waiting list for memorial benches (see Council website), we still explored over several months possible locations on the towpath near Marble Hill and where Ian's raft used to be. Like many we feel strongly this is the best place for a memorial bench. Alas, all currently empty spaces are pre-allocated to families, metal benches will not be replaced and won't have plaques attached to them. Therefore, we have opted for a bench location on the Ham side of the river, where Ian also used to take regular walks: by Petersham Lodge Woods, 2nd bench upstream from River Lane before the sea scouts, offering a tranquil view towards Marble Hill Park and of the river section where Ian's home used to be.

The new bench will be supplied by Richmond Council with the following dedication carved into the wood:

In fond memory of Ian

Local raft and river man

28.10.2024 RIP

The total cost of the bench (incl carved inscription, set up and VAT) is £1,768. 86.

Additional fund will be donated in memory of Ian to Blood Cancer UK, which helps fund research into treatments for different types of blood cancers. We are aiming to raise at least £1,500 to sponsor a month’s worth of experiments in the lab to allow researchers to understand more about how to treat certain blood cancers.

Once the bench is paid in full it will take approx 8+ weeks for the new bench to be installed.

We will provide updates for you here.

Thank you in advance for your kind generosity in memory of Ian.

Friends of Ian