A Spurs legend said that his first thought 'was sadness, not anger' after a bench to raise suicide awareness in Woodbridge was vandalised.
Former football Micky Hazard, who won honours with Tottenham Hotspurs in the 1980s, made the comments after the Legend on the Bench in Lower Ufford was found in a damaged state.
Legend on the Bench was set up by Hazard's sister Michelle, after her son Jay Lee Mead passed away in 2019, with more than 100 benches now installed across the UK.
The Woodbridge bench is named in tribute to Stephen Jacobs and was installed in March, by the Lower Ufford Bridge however it was recently discovered to be vandalised.
Writing on social media, Micky Hazard said: "To the person or persons who damaged our bench in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
"I hope life is treating you with kindness, and I sincerely hope that neither you nor those you care about ever have to experience the depths of despair that can come with poor mental health or thoughts of suicide.
"When I saw the damage, my first thought was sadness, not anger. Sadness that something created to help others had been harmed, but also sadness because I do not know what circumstances may have led to this.
"We never truly know what another person is carrying, what struggles they may be facing, or what path has brought them to where they are today. Because of that, I choose not to judge.
"Instead, I want to extend the same message that the bench itself represents, compassion, understanding, and support. If you are going through a difficult time, or if someone close to you is struggling, please know that help is available and that there are people who care. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness."
Sandra Jacobs, daughter of Stephen said: "What Micky said is perfect, I felt the same [I] wasn't angry, just sad and disappointed. I lost my dog on Tuesday and wanted to tell my dad to look after him, so I'm already feeling upset and this just was like why? [and we] just don't want anyone else to damage it.
"I haven't got a resting place for my dad, so this is all I have."
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Legend on the Bench
Legend on the Bench was set up in memory of Jay Lee Mead, who died by suicide in 2019 and was found by his family.
His mother, Michelle, set up the charity with her brother Micky Hazard serving as ambassador for the organisation.
Each bench from the charity is named after local people who have died by suicide, which are lit up at night and feature links and QR codes that direct those who are struggling to get help.
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