Family fundraise for mental health hub that helped loved one thrive

HUSBAND AND GRANDFATHER LIVED 20 MORE YEARS AFTER HELP FROM CENTRE

- By ANNETTE BELCHER Reporter

THE family of a Teesside man who died 20 years after being told he had just months to live have raised money for a hub which supported him in difficult times.

More than £3,000 has been donated in memory of former civil engineer Darryl Benson, who dedicated years to helping others with mental health conditions.

The money will be used to fund new furniture for Woodside Dementia and Wellbeing Hub in Middlesbrough, where he was a regular visitor.

Coordinator Rucksana Aslam said: "We're so grateful to Darryl's family and friends. This is a huge amount of money for us. It will make a big difference."

Doctors feared for the life of Darryl after he developed complex mental health problems in his late 50s. He ended up in a wheelchair, unable to walk or talk.

Initially he was given months to live but, miraculously, his health slowly started to improve after months of treatment.

And within weeks of leaving hospital, Darryl was mowing the lawn and even passed an advanced driving test. Wife Linda said: "His recovery amazed everyone, including his doctors.

"But it was such a traumatic time. The whole family was devastated; we thought we were losing him."