AN ELDERLY lady ‘shed tears of joy’ after the community rallied round to replace a bench that was installed in memory of her daughter following an attack by vandals.

Betty Cooke, 85, was distraught when she saw what the vandals had done to the bench was installed in memory of Betty’s daughter Susan, who moved to Australia and died of a brain tumour in 2002.

It was Susan’s dying wish to have a bench installed in Queens Park, Crewe, to allow others to enjoy the park she loved so much and to have her ashes scattered there.

After reading about Betty’s plight, local businessman Andrew McGarrigle offered to sponsor a replacement in conjunction with Ansa, a Cheshire East Council maintenance company.

Betty said: “I was overwhelmed when I heard about this. I shed many sad tears when I saw that the bench had been destroyed by yobs.

“But I shed tears of joy when I discovered that the local community could be so kind.”

Betty, who was accompanied by her daughter Tracey Cooke and grandson Stephen Heath, was presented with the bench by Elaine Webster, development manager, parks and grounds at Ansa environmental services, together with sponsors Mr McGarrigle and Tommy McCaughan.

The bench will be put back as it was on a path leading from the clock to the Pickle Jar pavilion, complete with a plaque that reads ‘We will meet at the park’.

Cllr David Topping, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for service commissioning said it was important that the local community rallied round to help support Betty in her time of need.

He said: “Queens Park staff know Betty well from her regular visits to sit on the bench and contemplate on the past.

“They were deeply dismayed at the actions of these mindless yobs, so it was important for us to try to support her.

“We were delighted and touched when a kind sponsor came forward. We are grateful to everyone who has helped to replace the bench.

“We sincerely hope that Betty and her family will continue to be regular visitors to the park.”