A memorial and outdoor learning centre has been opened by the family of Marden murder victim Craig Hepburn.
Craig, 19, was visiting Marsden from Paisley, Scotland when he was stabbed to death in the early hours of July 7, 2012.
The family of the Linwood piper said they have taken strength from the massive outpouring of community support since his tragic death almost two years ago.
The garden and outdoor learning centre was unveiled at Craig’s old school - Linwood High School - by his parents Carol and Alex.
Craig – nicknamed Heppy – was studying nursing at Reid Kerr College, in Paisley, at the time of his death.
Craig’s father Alex said: “Memorials like this help bring sunshine to a rainy day. Without the support - the continued support - of the community we couldn’t have managed.
“For his 21st birthday, people laid cards and flowers at the sports centre.
“The way the community has rallied round and supported us, and not for the first time, has been great. Things like this really do help.”
Headteacher Eileen Young said the vision and drive of art teacher Lesley Hinde made the garden dream come to fruition.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work on this. Every single pupil in the school has had a hand in this garden.
Thousands of hours have went in to it and we would like to thank all of the contractors who contributed, including Barr Construction, the Malcolm Group and the aiport for their support.”
A plum tree was planted by the Hepburns in their son’s honour and Alex joked: “I don’t know how Craig would feel about us planting a soft fruit tree in his memory when there are things like Mighty Oaks.In 19 years I don’t think he helped me cut that grass once.”
Craig’s mum Carol added: “It is amazing what they have done. The garden is lovely.”
The garden has graffiti boards, a greenhouse, giant pencils as fence posts and a bench dedicated to Craig from Kibbleworks.
● In June last year Luke Elliott, 22, Main Avenue , Cowlersley, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years for murdering Craig in the knife attack.
Anthony Driver, 38, of Grange Cottages, Marsden, was found guilty of the 19-year-old’s manslaughter and was jailed for 13 years.
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