Touching memorial bench at Berkhamsted railway station for Matthew Minors

A memorial bench has been installed outside Berkhamsted railway station in memory of Matthew Minors.

Matthew, who was well known for the work he did in the community, passed away on March 29, last year, after testing positive for Covid-19.

The 44-year-old, who was in Berkhamsted Round Table, helped at a great many of the Lions events in the town as well as numerous other organisations and events.

David Furnell BEM, who helped organise the fundraising for the bench, said: "Matthew was just 44 when he sadly passed away, he was a lovely man.

"He was a member of the Round Table and a Rotarian from Berkhamsted, I thought we should do something for him.

"I put an idea out and about 35 businesses and people in the community made donations, we have raised £1,100.

"I got a bench made and it is beautifully engraved, the message on the bench says 'In Memory of Matthew Minors, 1976-2020. An ever helping hand to our community' and 'Donated by Members of Rotary Club, 41 Club, Inner Wheel and Friends in Berkhamsted'.

"I wanted it to go somewhere that would mean something.

"Matthew always used to be the marshal at the train station for the events like the half marathon and fireworks, so I thought it would be fitting to have it there.

"I contacted the station and they were really supportive about it going there, they even asked if I wanted them to install it, which was very kind.

"He did lots of other things as well for the community, he was just one of those good guys, you could always rely on him.

"I thought it was fitting for the bench to go there and his parents have been in touch and are really happy with the idea."