The family of a tragic east Perthshire toddler who died in a horrific car accident have paid tribute to those involved in the making of a memorial bench in her honour.
Bought for the Edwards family by Errol-based Gillies & Mackay, the wooden bench, which was built to preserve the memory of two-year-old Harlow Edwards, now takes pride of place at the Common in Coupar Angus.
Harlow was killed in the town’s Forfar Road on October 13.
The bench, which is engraved with Harlow’s name, also has a moving inscription which reads, ‘How lucky we were to have had someone who made saying goodbye so hard’ beside a love heart.
The Edwards family and close friends visited the bench and released balloons and lanterns into the night sky.
Coupar Angus resident Moira Cummings, 33, was behind the idea to build a “nice fitting” tribute to Harlow.
“Little Harlow used to pass our house and give me a cheeky wee grin and I saw her as she grew up from a baby,” she said.
“I wanted to do something for the Edwards family, as they’re such nice people and have been so strong after this. I received a photograph of a bench and just thought this is the one.
“I wanted a firm who had the correct tools and had been told about Gillies and Mackay in Errol so I contacted them. They explained they didn’t make benches but said they would help.”
She continued: “I wanted Harlow’s family to be the first ones to see it. It was very emotional when they were there and it means Harlow will always be remembered. I felt privileged to help but sad as well.”
Cara Mackay, of Gillies and Mackay, said: “Ms Cummings phoned Alison Carlin, our office manager following a recommendation about our firm.
“Alison spoke to us with tears in her eyes after hearing about Harlow Edwards and we decided we would buy the bench for the family. We chose a bench with a nice design and heart-shape in it and a Dundee joiner, Dean Marshall, helped put it together.
“We felt very humbled and honoured to be asked to help but that’s what you do when something bad happens. Quite simply nothing can replace a child – only memories can remain – so a place to remember is priceless.”
A statement released on behalf of the Edwards family said: “We would like to thank Gillies and Mackay for making such a beautiful tribute to our precious baby girl. We would also like to thank Perth and Kinross Council for installing the bench next to the flower beds which were recently planted in Harlow’s honour.
“Finally, we would like to give special thanks to Moira Cummings who actually made this happen. We are extremely grateful for all of the continued love and support that we as a family are receiving.”
Dionne Edwards, 17, sister of Harlow, who suffered a serious leg injury in the car accident, said on Facebook: “Finally Harlow’s bench has been put down and it’s better than we imagined. Couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to be surrounded by when having to go through such a tough time – still managed to put a smile on my face and I’m sure Harlow’s face too.”
And she also wrote on Twitter: “Harlow’s beautiful bench and balloons and lanterns which we let off for her. Love doing things like this for her because I know how much she would have loved it.”
