A bench for Colin

BIG-hearted people have offered to pay for a memorial bench in honour of a young Newhaven man who struggled against brain illness to help others.

BIG-hearted people have offered to pay for a memorial bench in honour of a young Newhaven man who struggled against brain illness to help others.

Colin Webb, 28, died in January following a lifetime of poor health which left him paralysed from the neck down.

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As reported in last week's Express, Newhaven Mayoress Pat Fitton suggested to his mother, Marina Webb, that a memorial bench be erected in his memory. But the Mayoress was outnumbered by fellow town council members who felt it was wrong to single out Colin for the honour.

However, on reading the Sussex Express two townsfolk offered to foot the bill. David Englefield, a warehouse manager at Tomsetts in Newhaven, always said Hello to Colin when he saw him in the town centre. The father-of-five said: 'We all have our own experience of problems and Colin dealt with his courageously and was such a nice guy.'

Sally Proudlock, of Seahaven Caravans, also wanted to contribute. She said: 'Colin came in collecting for the Red Cross and I was just impressed that someone with his problems was doing good for others.'

Colin's mum was delighted he would be remembered and that people thought so much of him. She said: 'I thought he was wonderful but then I am biased. I am really pleased. I would like to thank everyone very much.'

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Donations from regulars at the White Hart pub will be used to buy a plaque for the bench which is likely to be sited near Colin's grave in Newhaven Cemetery.

During his short life Colin, a well known character around town, was an active member of the Sea Cadets, St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross.

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