Fire destroys Abercanaid bench for daughter who died from sepsis

The memorial burned down in the early hours of Tuesday morning and council workers were making the area safe when Leanne made her way down to the spot.

Bethannie used to play down there with her friends when she was little and her family decided it was the perfect spot for a memorial, her mother said.

“She loved it there,” she said.

The bench was put in place about two years ago.

“It brings back so many memories,” she said. “It’s so peaceful and beautiful there.

“It’s just disrespectful. I feel sorry for the people or person that did it, because they must have such a sad life.

“I don’t understand the mentality of… anybody getting a kick out of doing this.

“The whole community is devastated,” she said.