WE did it!
Three determined Lifestylers received two park benches after raising £800 at a charity gala in their village.
South Killingholme's Naomi Jensen, Kacie Lee and Ruby Bal, all aged 11, raised the money for the new benches after the previous ones – installed in memory of two much-loved residents – had been vandalised earlier in the year.
Alan Johnson, 16, died in a fire 10 years ago in Town Road and Jayne Cowdroy, 46, died in November last year through illness.
She campaigned to create a play park in the village and regularly mowed the lawn there herself so children could enjoy the swings and climbing frame.
Her daughter, Hannah, 19, was one of the adults helping the Lifestylers, who have called themselves The Unstoppables. They held a successful gala day at the village community centre at the start of August, and a total of £800 was raised thanks to generous villagers.
The money was spent to buy two benches, which were erected free of charge by Foley Services engineering and construction firm.
Naomi said: "We were pleased so many people came along to the event to support us."
Kacie said: "We feel proud the project has been a success. It was overwhelming how people came along to support us."
Ruby added: "It feels good having the benches up. We are now thinking about what we can do for our next project."
Alan Johnson's sister Sarah, 28, said: "This has been the 10th anniversary of Alan's death so it is fitting that we have these nice new benches."
And Hannah added: "Mum would be really pleased with it all. We are hoping to get the rest of the park refurbished."
A tree was planted in Jayne's memory last week along with a plaque recognising her contribution to the village park.
Mary Bates, committee member of South Killingholme Youth Development Scheme Skyds, said: "We have held discos and bingo and hope we can raise more funds to improve the park.
"It is very important for children to have somewhere to play. It really needs refurbishing. We have been trying to do it for two years. The new benches are one less thing we will have to pay for."
