A FAMILY are left 'devastated' after finding out a public bench placed in memory of their daughter who died last year was vandalised.

Catherine Stobbart, from Kendal, said her world had changed forever in January 2018 when her daughter Rachel, also known as Ray, suddenly died aged 33.

Over the past year the family wanted to have somewhere where they could go visit and take some time out to think of their daughter.

Through crowd funding the family managed to raise £1,000 which was split between South Lakeland Mind, a charity which helps to enhance the quality of life of people experiencing mental and emotional distress, and for a bench with a memorial plaque that would reside in Nobles Rest park in Kendal.

"Rachel was a kind, fun loving person with a generous heart," said Mrs Stobbart. "It's just been her first anniversary and we thought the bench would be the perfect tribute to remember her by."

The bench had just been in the park for a month before it was damaged.

Mrs Stobbart said when she heard the bench had been damaged she was heartbroken and shocked by the news.

"I really cannot understand what drives people to commit such mindless acts," she said. "A friend called me to say the bench had gone. There were flowers on the bench so obviously, people cared for the symbolism of that seat and why on earth decide to damage it?

"How disappointing that something representing such love should be a target for mindless vandalism."

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has taken the bench away for it to be repaired.

Rachel's fiancee Chris Dunphy also took part in the challenge RED where he ran every day for 52 days straight in memory of Rachel and to raise money for South Lakeland Mind. He has raised more than £1,000 for the charity. To donate go on Justgiving and search for Christopher Dunphy.