Memorial Bench
During Sacha’s time in London, receiving treatment at GOSH, there was nothing he loved more than the chance to get outside and spend time in Russell Square Park.
Russell Square Park brought Sacha so much happiness. He loved waving at the big red buses and black cabs that passed by, and every now and then, he’d get a wave back, which made him light up. But the real highlight? A fire engine racing past, sirens blaring. “Look, Mumma! A wire-engine going to put out all the wire!” he’d say, his excitement was contagious and always brought us joy.
Sacha would gather sticks, find puddles, and discover tiny pools of water at the base of trees, giggling as he chased his mumma with soggy sticks. Sacha and Dadda would sit together on a bench, watching the world go by and his Dadda sipping his coffee. “Let’s get Dadda’s cup of co-ff-eee,” he’d say, we loved all his little sayings, and every now and then, we’d share a Sacha sausage bap—a little fond memory that I keep.
Russell Square Park was a bright spot during some of the harder days of Sacha’s treatment. It was a place of peace and pure joy for him.
Where:
Message from Sacha's Dadda:
I don’t think I can ever truly put into words what this bench means to us as a family. Sitting here, surrounded by the park Sacha loved so dearly, we feel so close to him. Memories come flooding back—his laughter ringing out as he ran through the park, his bright face lighting up as he watched pigeons, tried to feed squirrels, or just chatted with us.
This park was Sacha’s sanctuary, a place where he felt at peace. And when I sit here, I feel him with me, his spirit alive in every corner of this beautiful space, this bench holds such deep meaning—it’s a way to ensure that Sacha’s memory lives on, forever.
With this bench, the plaque, and the QR code, his story will continue to touch hearts long after I am gone. It brings me comfort to know that for years and years to come, Sacha’s memory will remain, bright in this special place that he loved so much.
It was Sacha’s Uncle Chris who suggested a memorial bench for him, and it was his Mumma’s idea to add the picture plaque and QR code for his website. The credit for all the organization and effort belongs to Uncle Chris, his partner Maz, and my wonderful work colleagues.
