Imagine a place of solace, a tribute to a loved one, suddenly under threat. A Lisburn family is fighting to save their son’s memorial bench dedicated to a devoted Liverpool FC fan. What happens when a cherished memory clashes with council directives? The emotional journey of a family’s unwavering love.
A profound sense of grief and injustice has enveloped a Lisburn family, as a cherished memorial bench, dedicated to their beloved son and ardent Liverpool FC supporter, faces the threat of removal by local authorities. This deeply personal tribute, a place of solace and remembrance, has become the center of a poignant council dispute, highlighting the emotional battles families endure to preserve the memory of their loved ones.
The story centers around Robert ‘Robbie’ Fleming, whose untimely passing in 2018 sent shockwaves through his community. Robbie, a lifelong fan of Liverpool FC, left behind a legacy of passion for the club and a loving family grappling with immense loss. His death prompted an outpouring of community support, extending far beyond local circles.
Remarkably, even football icon Steven Gerrard, then a former Liverpool captain, reached out to console Robbie’s distraught son, Jack, following the news. This act of profound empathy further solidified the bond between the Fleming family and the spirit of Liverpool FC, leading to an emotional invitation for Jack to visit Anfield, a hallowed ground for his father. Other legends like Kenny Dalglish, Roy Evans, and current star Trent Alexander-Arnold also offered their tributes.
However, in 2024, the family’s peace was disrupted by a stark warning from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, signaling the potential removal of Robbie’s memorial bench. This directive stems from concerns over the maintenance of such tributes, sparking outrage and a renewed period of distress for Alison Fleming, Robbie’s mother. The council’s actions have inadvertently ignited a wider discussion on the respect accorded to public memorials.
Alison, speaking with a heavy heart, passionately conveyed the bench’s significance, describing it as her and her husband’s personal “grave” and a vital source of comfort, despite Robbie’s cremation. She voiced profound frustration over alleged neglect by groundsmen, citing damaged flower pots and disrespectful grass-cutting practices, which she believes undermine the very purpose of the memorial. This ongoing struggle emphasizes the need for compassionate engagement between families and local authorities concerning cherished public spaces.
The council, in response, has pointed to challenges with the upkeep of various memorial items, not solely Robbie’s bench, attributing issues to aging, disrepair, and staffing shortages within their parks team. This administrative perspective, however, contrasts sharply with the deep emotional investment of the grieving families. In a powerful show of community support, a petition titled ‘Relocate Robbie Fleming memorial bench from the people of Lisburn & Steven Gerrard to home town cemetery’ garnered over 1,100 signatures, illustrating widespread public sympathy.
The emotional toll on the Lisburn family is immeasurable, with Alison asserting that taking away the bench would be akin to “ripping his heart out” from Robbie’s son. A groundsman’s observation that the bench had become “almost a tourist attraction” ironically brought the family comfort, underscoring its public value. The Fleming family, who still maintain close contact with Steven Gerrard’s family, implore the council for respect and understanding, advocating for the preservation of all family memorial benches as essential symbols of enduring love and memory.
