A work party from the Isle of Man Prison’s Skills Centre has restored a memorial bench of great significance to a Douglas family.
The bench, located on South Quay, commemorates Jake Watson, who died aged 14 following an asthma attack. After being damaged earlier this year, the bench has now been fully repaired and was returned to South Quay on Wednesday.
Jake’s mother, Lea Watson, said she became aware of the damage through social media.
‘From what we understand, a car appears to have reversed into the bench and the driver left without reporting it,’
she said.
‘The bench means so much to our whole family. It’s where we go to remember Jake and not having that space has been quite traumatic.
‘There are no words to express my sincere gratitude to the people who organised this. I will be eternally grateful. I’d also like to thank those who made us aware of the damage and kept me updated. People can be incredibly kind.’
Prison Governor Leroy Bonnick said the prison was glad to be able to help restore the bench.
‘This was a worthwhile and meaningful project for everyone involved,’
he said.
‘It also demonstrates how the practical skills prisoners develop while in custody can be put to positive use for the benefit of the community.’
