Farnham Town Council approves self‑illuminating ‘beacon of hope’ bench at Gostrey Meadow

The charity Legend on the Bench, founded by former professional footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle after the death of their son Jason Lee Mead, received permission from Farnham Town Council to install a self‑illuminating bench in Gostrey Meadow. The solar‑powered bench, embossed with “someone is always listening” and equipped with QR codes linking to Samaritans and Combat Stress, is intended as a beacon for people in mental‑health crises.

The council matched £1,800 in funding and also approved a second bench for the Evelyn Borelli Garden of Rest, while allocating £5,838 in community grants to local groups. Nationwide, about 130 similar benches have been placed in parks across the UK.