A community project has been launched to build a life-sized bench out of Lego, in memory of Matthew Girard, a former St Martin’s Primary School student who passed away from cancer at age 12.
Launched on International Lego Day last week, the drive is being spearheaded by the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation which said the bench will be placed on the school grounds as a tribute to Matthew’s love for building.
The PPBF previously honoured Matthew with the dedication of a Lego-themed bedroom in ‘Frankie’s Den’, which is one of the charity’s flats for families near Southampton Hospital.
Jo Priaulx, co-founder of the PPBF said they are pleased to be supporting Matthew’s family again.
“Supporting families in the here and now is vital to us, but so is continuing to walk alongside those we’ve come to know over the years and honouring children like Matthew, who are so dearly missed.
“Because Matthew loved Lego, we dedicated the children’s bedroom in Frankie’s Den to him. Then, following an idea from his mum, Sarah, we began to set the plans in motion for a life-size Lego bench.”
The project, which is a collaboration with local enthusiast Steph Porter, requires 10,000 pre-loved 2×4 bricks to complete the build, and they can be donated at Aladdin’s Cave and the Model Shop & Dice Gifts on Fountain Street.
“The vision is a colourful memorial bench with a difference, encouraging children to connect and play, with everyone contributing their own physical ‘parts’,” said Mrs Priaulx.
“It will be no small undertaking which is why we need our community’s help to reach our target of 10,000 bricks!”