Park bench unveiled for 'much loved' Doncaster woman following Covid-19 death

Jackie Ciandella died from Covid-19 earlier this year, just a few days after her 57th birthday.

Now a bench has been unveiled in her memory at Doncaster’s Sandall Park – which was one of her favourite places.

The crowdfunding campaign for ‘Jackie’s Bench’ was organised by the Friends of Sandall Park, the volunteer group which looks after the park.

Mrs Ciandella, a ‘keen supporter’ of FoSP, died on May 20.

A spokesman for FoSP said: “Jackie was a much loved lady and her friends and colleagues at House of Fraser are devastated by her death.

“Sandall Park was her favourite place to walk her dog.”

"Jackie loved the park and we think it is the perfect place for her family and friends to visit and reminisce on all the laughs and memorable occasions that they shared with her.

"Jackie was always quick to offer a shoulder to cry on; advice on any subject or situation we might find ourselves in and generous beyond belief.

"She was a people person and she made it her mantra to speak to every person she came in contact with.

"Jackie was one in a million and will be painfully missed. Our wonderful friend Jackie, always thinking and caring for others and this is a fitting tribute to the fabulous person she was.

Supporters raised more than £1,600 for the bench to be installed in the park.

Cash will also be used to build a dog drinking station in the park while funds also went to the Baby Unit at DRI and Mayflower Animal Sanctuary - to cater for everything Jackie loved - children, dogs and the park.

However, people using the bench have been asked to respect it.

Added the spokesman: “Please remember that this is a memorial bench in a public park.

"It cannot be a place to leave flowers trinkets or ornaments. Please respect this and enjoy the bench and Jackie's memories.”

There have been more than 250 coronavirus deaths in Doncaster since the start of the pandemic.