Thousands raised for memorial bench to remember photographer Dean Matthews in Sunderland
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Dean, who brought stunning pictures of Sunderland and the North East to thousands of people around the world, tragically died on Thursday, November 12, after testing positive for Covid-19.
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Hide AdNow a fundraiser, set up by fellow photographer, Liam McCormick, and husband, Michael McGrath, has raised more than £3,000 to go towards a memorial bench in one of the locations Dean was often spotted taking his stunning photographs.
Having originally set out to raise £1,500, the couple say they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support as a flood of donations meant more than double the original target had been raised in just 24 hours.
Any additional funds will be given to support Dean’s family.
Liam, 37, said: “Dean’s photographs are one of the inspirations behind my decision to take up photography. I’d often see him out and about around the city and he was always such a lovely guy and happy to offer tips.
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Hide Ad"The news that he has passed away is absolutely devastating. I was speaking to my husband and he suggested a memorial bench for family and friends to be able to go reflect and remember him.
"The amount of donations the Just Giving page has received is unbelievable. He was such a lovely, family guy.
"I thought it would be nice to get a bench along Sunderland’s seafront where he often visited as a gesture from one photographer to another.”
Thirty-five-year-old Liam, who took up photography five years ago, is looking to speak to the Sunderland City Council next week regarding installing a bench near the Cat and Dog Steps.
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Hide AdLiam, of High Barnes, says the exact cost of a memorial bench has not been confirmed but says any remaining funds will go to Dean’s family.
Dean was a regular at the Stadium of Light and is described as having a ‘real passion and pride for Sunderland’.
Donate to the fundraiser www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michaelliam-mcgrath