Details released of fundraiser on Monday for Books of Remembrance destroyed by vandals at Leeds crematorium

A fundraising day is to be held in Leeds on Monday help pay for the restoration of books of remembrance which were badly damaged by vandals who broke into Lawnswood Cemetery.
Damage at Lawnswood CrematoriumDamage at Lawnswood Crematorium
Damage at Lawnswood Crematorium

The books, which contained messages of remembrance for lost loves ones from bereaved families, were torn and scattered throughout the grounds during the break-in which took place over the Easter weekend.

LISTED: Leeds Crematorium reveals which books for lost loved ones were destroyed in break-inThe books need specialist treatment and restoration before they can be put back on display

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The community day will take place on Monday at the High Farm pub in Holt Park which is close to the cemetery.

The ruined books of Remembrance at Lawnswood CrematoriumThe ruined books of Remembrance at Lawnswood Crematorium
The ruined books of Remembrance at Lawnswood Crematorium

Event organiser Sarah Diamond said many residents were saddened by the vandalism.

-> Record temperatures predicted but will Yorkshire sizzle in the sun?She said: “I am appalled at this disgusting act of mindless vandalism that has deeply hurt those who had left messages for their loved ones in those books of remembrance.

“We are a close community and have decided to get together to raise some much-needed funds to assist in the restoration of these books and to contribute towards increased security at the cemetery. The day will be filled with stalls, where all stallholders are making a contribution, raffles, a bouncy castle and much, much more.

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“We invite as many people as possible to come along and show their support for Lawnswood Cemetery and show that we will not tolerate this shocking behaviour.”

The event will be held from 1-5pm in the pub grounds on Farrar Lane.

Police have said fingerprints found at the scene have been linked to a potential suspect, although the investigation is ongoing. CCTV footage is also being analysed.

The vandalism took place between 9pm on Sunday April 1 and 7:30am on Monday April 2.

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