Memorial to Hartlepool taxi driver who died aged just 41 placed at the Heugh Battery Museum, where he was a passionate volunteer

The family of Derrick Smith, who died of oesophageal cancer aged just 41, have donated a memorial bench to the Headland’s Heugh Battery Museum, where he was a passionate volunteer for around ten years.

It will be placed in the museum’s garden area where visitors can sit and look out over the sea.

Claire Ashley, whose mum Julie Smith was married to Derrick, said: “It was his favourite place in the whole world. So much of his passion went into the museum.

“He volunteered there pretty much since it opened as a museum. We thought a bench is a nice way for the family to remember him by.”

Derrick, who had previously served in the Army, showed visitors including school children around the site which tells the story of the Bombardment of the Hartlepools in 1914, and is the only First World War battlefield site on Britain soil.

He passed away in 2016 after battling the cancer for about a year. Derrick, who also worked as a taxi driver, married Julie just three weeks before he died.

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Claire added: “To pass away at such a young age was heartbreaking. He was much loved by all.”

A plaque on the bench includes the words ‘It’s a wonderful world’ in a nod to his favourite song What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

"That’s how he left this world, believing it was wonderful,” said Claire.

Museum manager Diane Stephens said: “We were delighted to support Claire and her family in creating this lasting memorial to Derrick by placing the bench in the museum.

"The museum could not survive without the dedication and passion of our volunteers. They do so much and are always so happy to help.

"Derrick was part of the team for a number of years and it is perfect to have this remembrance of him in a place where he was so happy.

"It is a lovely thing his family have organised.”

The museum is currently closed until further notice to visitors due to the pandemic, but hopes to re-open as soon as it can.

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