It is with great sadness to all that had met Matthew Clarke who has lost his battle against a brain tumor. We are trying to raise funds in remembrance of Matthew Clarke. Im Sorry if you are unaware but we have lost a truly great hard working family man and friend. Matthew was an ex VM he was also the local Warden in Shotley and Matthew was also our neighbour and friend, We were sad to see them leave but Matthew and his family had made a hard decision to move to Canada for a better life.Matthew was well know in the village of Shotley gate he was very hard working. Matthew always had a smile on his face to everyone he met. Matthew would always help anyone in need at the drop of a hat. When i found out about the sad news i sat at home thinking i need to do something for Matthew and his Family. we had lost touch with matt and his family and Wife Annette over the years but it never meant we had forgot about them so i thought it would be an idea to show our respects for Matthew. By raising some funds to have a bench in remembrance of Matthew Clarke on the Shotley Gate water front so when his family and friends visit Shotley they have some were to sit and remember Matt. i know it is a big ask for people to donate in the current climate but i wouldn't ask if it wasn't for a good cause. i have no idea on the cost or how to put it all in place so i have asked to raise 3000 pounds in case but if we cant reach maybe a plate made to go on the Shotley pier when complete.or the money we raise i will send to Matthews son Brereton and family. In advance THANK YOU to all who can HELP for a family's HERO MATTHEW CLARKE