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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Gregor Farquharson

Benches kept in top condition by toddler, two years after father's tragic death

Two years after his tragic death, Graham Fraser's family are keeping his memory alive.

The 27-year-old was discovered in Wishaw woodland in June 2019 having taken his own life.

Since his death, the family have set up the Graham Fraser Foundation, hoping to promote positive mental health and offer a platform for people to speak out.

They have also organised the placement of over 100 colourful benches across Lanarkshire, each of which have information on them for people who may be feeling lonely or low.

Natalie Fraser, Graham's partner, and mum to daughter Hannah, has said the benches are so far providing to be a success and are helping people all across Lanarkshire.

Natalie has been working to spread suicide awareness in the local area since Graham's passing (ugc)

She told Lanarkshire Live : "Graham's benches are all across Lanarkshire now and I have heard stories from lots of people of how it has helped people out they know.

"There is information on there on what to do if you are feeling suicidal and there are stories of people who are feeling that way who have got help because of the benches.

"They also help tackle loneliness and during lockdown, a lot of older people would sit on the bench all day and speak to people as they passed, which really helped them."

As expected, after two years, some of the benches have fallen into normal wear and tear.

But Graham's daughter, Hannah, three, takes pride in making sure her daddy's benches are kept in the best condition possible.

"Hannah is still a bit too young to know about suicide and what happened to Graham," Natalie added, "but she understands that her dad is in heaven and knows that the benches are there to help people if they are sad or lonely.

"Whenever we see a bench she will make sure we stop and check everything is okay and will clean any mess.

"She takes a lot of pride in making sure everything is right and that there is no mess on the bench, and that the pictures are right."

Natalie and Hannah cleaning one of Graham's benches in Wishaw (ugc)

Later this year, Natalie and Hannah will be fundraising for Chris' House and will be attempting to climb Ben Nevis.

This would make Hannah one of the youngest ever people to climb Britain's highest mountain.

Natalie added: "We are going to start some training with Hannah before we climb Ben Nevis, with Tinto Hill and some other easier climbs lined up.

"We are going to climb Ben Nevis on August 28, which would have been Graham's 30th birthday.

"We are raising money for Chris' House as they have supported us so much and continue to support so many in the area every day."

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And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

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