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A fundraiser set up in memory of a much-loved husband and businessman who died aged 32 has surpassed £12,000.
Bradley McManus, from Canterbury, died suddenly on May 1.
He was well-known in Kent's business community, having founded successful digital marketing agency AM Marketing with his wife Amy, and his death prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from friends and former colleagues.
Following his death, Amy launched a GoFundMe page in hope of raising £2,650, so a bench could be sited on Walmer seafront in Bradley's memory.
But to her delight, the fundraiser has now raised more than £12,000.
Thanks to the extra money, a second memorial bench will be purchased and a tree planted in Bradley's memory at Sir Roger Manwood school in Sandwich, where he and Amy first met as pupils.
Two annual prizes are also to be named in his honour at the school, while a large proportion of the money will be given to local mental health charities, which helped Bradley and continue to support Amy.
Amy said: “Bradley was an incredible person who was taken from us far too soon. He had such a wide circle of friends and family who loved him.
“It was really important to me that Bradley had a place where we could visit and remember the good times.
“Our brother-in-law Duncan died last year and also has a bench on the seafront. Bradley would visit it often and it brought him great comfort, so it was only fitting Brad should have a bench too.
“Words cannot describe how grateful I am for everyone’s generosity, particularly at a time when people are going through financial struggles.
“The extra money means we can now purchase another bench and have a magnolia tree planted at Sir Roger Manwood’s school where we met.
“There was a beautiful magnolia at our first house, and the school will be planting the same species in a spot which can be seen from the classroom where we first started dating.
“As Bradley was such a brilliant, self-confessed nerd and Excel genius, there will also be a new school prize created - the Bradley McManus award for Computer Science, to be awarded to two students every year."
On the day of Bradley’s funeral, businesses across Kent and further afield paid tribute to him on LinkedIn by turning their profiles a shade of green associated with AM Marketing, which was set up by Bradley and Amy in 2013.
“I cannot find the words to truly convey how much it meant," said Amy. “It was an absolutely beautiful idea and we were so appreciative of the hundreds of individuals and companies who took part.
“Bradley loved the AM green - he would wear his AM green jacket at any available opportunity, and many will remember his famous AM green scooter. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute and I know he would have loved it.
“On behalf of Bradley, myself and our families I’d like to thank everyone for their unwavering support at this difficult time.
“Lockdown has been an added cruelty on top of an already dreadful situation, yet the kindness and support of our friends, colleagues and even strangers, have been extraordinary.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.
