Conwy Falls memorial bench for Sean Laxen

Aug 21 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

THE father of a nine-year-old boy who died after falling into water at a Conwy Valley beauty spot has paid an emotional tribute to him one year after the youngster’s death.

Last weekend marked the first anniversary of Norfolk youngster Sean Laxen’s death. The schoolboy from Horsford died on August 20 last year after he fell into the River Conwy at Conwy Falls, near Betws-y-Coed, while on holiday with his mum Linda, 44, and younger brother Scott.

His bereaved father Richard Laxen returned to the Falls on Saturday to install a slate memorial bench with the inscription “Let your love shine on for you are a star in the sky”.

“I’m really pleased with the bench as it looks exactly as I expected,” said Richard. “It was made with the cooperation of the Conwy Falls owners and with the help of Greaves Welsh Slate Company at Llechwedd Slate Mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“They supplied, designed, made and installed the bench and without them it would not have happened. It is quite ironic they should be the company who supplied the slate, as in 2005 I took both Sean and Scott down the mine there.”

Close family and friends joined Richard on Saturday as Betws-y-Coed Rev Clive Hillman blessed the bench.

“Sean’s bench is positioned looking out over the River Conwy in a beautiful spot,” added Richard.

“It was a significant weekend for all of us and has been very emotional but it was something I had set my heart on achieving in memory of Sean.”

Sean’s mother Linda and younger brother Scott are still too traumatised to return to the region.

“I hope people will use the bench and take a moment to think of Sean and most importantly think about water safety,” he added.

“I will be making the pilgrimage back here each year to pay my respects to my lost son.”