Dad's Memorial Bench

Hello Everyone,

My name is Ellie Jenks. I am the daughter of Alan Jenks. I am fundraising for him.

Dad was an incredible man with a good heart. His friends and family would like to commemorate his death with a memorial bench in Woodbank Park near his home in Stockport.

Dad struggled with addiction for most of his life. His vice was alcohol in the later years, and ultimately it was a fight that he lost. With an addiction to alcohol comes depression, anxiety, paranoia, and many more problems with mental health. When he felt low, he took himself off to Woodbank park. He both found peace in the solitude next to the river, and enjoyed chatting to strangers he met. He was immensely charismatic and funny and kind. He would have loved the idea of a bench in his name in a place that gave him peace. He would have wanted to be part of any conversations and encounters that happen there. He would have told an awful joke, but you'd be glad he was there. I miss my Dad. So does my younger sister. We want a place we can be with him.

Stockport Council charges £1,125 for a bench. This fee covers the bench, its plaque, installation, and maintenance. We would love to raise over this amount to be able to donate to a charity such as Alcohol Change. Dad couldn't have spoken more highly about the help he received over the years. He went in to rehab with an organisation called Turning Point, and attended Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Stockport. They were essential in his fight against alcohol. These organisations and charities not only support families and friends of the addict, but also create a network of people who really understand the struggle and loneliness of addiction.

Stockport Council are yet to get back to me about information regarding an installation, so as of yet there is no deadline for funds to be raised by. In the unlikely event the council deny an application, then all money raised will be donated in Dad's name.

If anyone reading is in the grips of addiction, being an addict, or family or friend of one, the above links are a place you can go. Mind is another well established charity. No one will judge. Everyone will be patient.