An After Life bench donated to a park by Ricky Gervais and Netflix has been destroyed in an apparent wrecking spree by vandals. Those behind the attack have been slammed, with one park user describing the incident as "absolutely despicable".
The bench was installed in January this year and, in keeping with After Life's storyline, was meant for anyone who has recently lost someone or who may be struggling with their mental health. But, on Sunday, May 22, the bench appeared to have been reduced to a pile of wood.
Netflix donated 25 benches to different areas across the UK. The vandalised bench, bearing the message 'Hope is Everything', is in Nottingham's Arboretum, NottinghamshireLive reports.
Park visitor Vivian O'Boyle, 69, said: "My husband has just died, three weeks ago. I wanted to maybe donate a bench near here as we used to come and sit here every morning pretty much.
"I knew about the bench - I think it's disgusting, totally disgusting. I wonder what goes through people's heads, honestly.
"What is the need to do that? I think in some ways you have got to pity these people.
"You don't know what is going on in their lives and so you shouldn't make judgements but it is a horrible thing to do. I still come here because I'm still trying to do things I used to do with my husband, I don't want to try and avoid everything."
One couple, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We don't come here very often so we weren't aware of the bench, but it sounds like it was a wonderful idea. It's hard to think why someone would want to do that, it's very sad."
Meanwhile, Andy Church, 50, said: "I have just seen what is left of it - it's absolutely despicable. It's completely mindless.
"I loved the show when it was on and I used to like seeing people sat on that bench. I really don't know what the world is coming to."
Ricky Gervais said after donating the benches: “We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit. We are thrilled to be associated with CALM and the great work they do.”
