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Foundation receives a reflection bench in memory of Saints fan

A memory bench designed, constructed and carved by Northampton Saints Player, and Foundation ambassador, Tom wood has been donated in memory of a Saints supporter who sadly passed away from cancer in 2020. 

Ann Read contacted the Foundation with a donation in memory of her son David ‘Bonso’ Wilton who was an avid Saints Supporter and former chairman of the Saints Supporters club. Ann’s vision was to create a memory bench which students at the Foundation could use on a daily basis to reflect, think and relax. 

The Foundation reached out to ambassador Tom Wood, a talented craftsman, who took to the task to create a work of art which now sits outside Foundation head quarters at cinch stadium, Franklin’s Gardens. 

Gemma Shields, partnerships and fundraising officer said “We were honoured when Ann reached out to the Foundation and wanted to mark the memory of her son David. The bench will be used by all of our students should they ever need to take a quiet moment - it’s extra special to have been crafted by Tom, being a huge Saints fan, we're sure David would love this touch”. 

A shield has also been purchased to recognise the hard work of students on the HITZ programme which uses rugby’s core values to improve the personal, social and life skills to support young people back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment (NEET).  Every term a student will be awarded ‘student of the term’ and have their name engraved onto the shield to keep them focused and engaged throughout the year. 

Ann added “Many thanks to the Foundation and Tom Wood for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in David's name”.

The Foundation would like to thank Ann and Tom, for the trophy and wonderful bench which will be used far into Foundation's future, at a ground which David loved. 

Bench