Community's tribute to LIVES responder Ken

In memory of Ken Smith. Sat with his memorial bench, wife Gini Smith, and daughters Cheryl Page and Lucy Smith. EMN-160905-155425001

The family of a leading member of a village's LIVES First Responder service who tragically died in a car crash last year have seen a new bench dedicated in his memory.

Ken Smith, 66, of Heckington was a key member of the LIVES responder group and was driving on the A153 between Wilsford and South Rauceby when he was involved in a collision last July. He died of his injuries as LIVES colleagues fought to save him.

The husband, father and grandfather attended more than 800 emergency calls in just under five years as a highly trained volunteer. Last Thursday saw a commemorative bench dedicated at the corner of Limetree Walk and Sleaford Road in Heckington.

Parish Council chairman Jan Palmer said: “He did an awful lot for LIVES and the parish council and Heckington Magazine have bought this seat in memory of him. His work with LIVES cannot be quantified.”

Ken Smith, from the Sleaford area, who died in a crash on the A153 between the Wilsford and South Rauceby junctions. EMN-160905-155448001

His wife Gini and daughters Cheryl and Lucy were there. Mrs Smith said they were over-awed by the support and recognition for what Ken did.

The family donated nearly £1,000 from Ken’s funeral collection to LIVES as well as money raised at Gini’s 65th birthday party. She raised more for LIVES and Macmillan Cancer Care by running the Lincoln 10k.

Cheryl said: “My daughter now feels if she ever misses her grandfather she can sit here and remember him.”