A MEMORIAL bench will be installed at Goldsworth Park Lake today (Thursday) as a permanent tribute to local fundraisers Kris Cook and Pete Oldfield.

Organised by the families and close friends of the pair, the commemorative bench will be placed on the site of the former Woking Water Activity Centre, of which the duo were avid patrons.

As reported by the News & Mail at the time, Kris, 36, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while taking part in the Prudential RideLondon cycling event in August. Initially aiming to raise £500 as part of a team riding for local charity Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, Kris’ JustGiving fund currently stands at a total of more than a hundred times that amount.

A highly respected voice on local issues prior to his death in 2010, Pete, 65, is remembered fondly by those who benefited from his tireless work as founder of the hugely popular water sports hut, which closed in 1995.

Kris’ mother Sue says that her son thrived under Pete’s guidance during his formative years, and believes it had inspired Kris’ later work with young offenders for the prison service.

The installation of the bench will take place between 1pm and 2pm today (November 27), with the official dedication service to be held this Sunday (November 30) starting at 3pm – where friends, including fellow former WWAC member Mandy Watson, will share some of their memories of Kris and Pete, alongside Woking & Sam Beare Hospice Chief Executive, Nigel Harding.

Mr Harding will then lead the Light up a Life memorial candle service at St Andrew’s Church, in Denton Way, beginning at 4pm. An open invitation is extended to all wishing to attend any of the planned events.