Matt Tonge's memory kept alive by Haydock community at memorial bench

A "lovable people person", Matt Tonge tragically passed away following a cardiac arrest in May 2021, aged just 34.

As Matt was a well-known figure in Haydock, his dad Paul organised a memorial bench to be placed on Clipsey Lane in time for the first anniversary of his death.

READ > Animal-rescuer says caring for exotic pets improves his mental health

Paul organised a bench to be erected on Clipsey Lane in memory of his son (Image: Paul Tonge)

Despite not knowing Matt or the Tonge family, Stuart Davies put forward the idea of the location becoming a meeting place for people to speak about their problems.

After suffering from mental health problems including bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts, Stuart thought an open, inclusive space to meet local people would be a positive thing for the community.

Paul agreed and for the past six months, Haydock residents have been meeting for a weekly chat at Matt's memorial bench.

Matt's bench has become a place to chat about mental health and people in the community (Image: Paul Tonge)

"I didn't know who Stuart was at the time", Paul said, "but he's quickly become a friend."

"We meet every Saturday at 10am and speak to anybody, about anything and everything.

"There's a real feel-good factor about what we're trying to do. We've also handed flowers out, given people Christmas cards, and dressed up as Santa to put a smile on people's faces."

Father Christmas putting a smile on people's faces last month (Image: Paul Tonge)

As Matt was a popular person in Haydock who loved where he was from, Paul said that his bench is a fitting way to keep his memory alive.

To continue Paul and Stuart's community work, they are planning to get the memorial labelled as an official 'Happy to Chat' bench; which are locations that people can visit to chat and support one another.

People meet at Matt's memorial bench every Saturday morning (Image: Paul Tonge)

Paul, a pest control worker at St Helens Council, added: "I think what we have been attempting to do is definitely working.

"I've met so many people coming to the bench, and I think a lot of people walk past knowing we'll be there. 

"I really feel like I'm giving back to the community so I make sure I'm there every Saturday to speak to people.

"But I also like going there in the week just to have a quiet think about him."

Matt tragically died following a cardiac arrest in May 2021, aged 34 (Image: Paul Tonge)