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Memorial bench erected outside Sainsbury's for Herne Bay dad who died while shopping

A bench has been erected in memory of a much-loved dad-of-five outside the supermarket where he tragically died.

Former bus driver David Turner, 35, collapsed while shopping at Sainsbury's in Herne Bay on November 14, 2020, sparking an outpouring grief from his family and many friends across the town.

David Turner, pictured with his wife Kymberley and their five children
David Turner, pictured with his wife Kymberley and their five children

The supermarket has now installed a memorial bench outside the store, where his family can remember him.

It bears a plaque reading: "David Scott Turner, our giant, your wings were ready but our hearts were not. Always in our hearts. Loved by all."

David was cremated at Barham Crematorium, but due to delays engraving his headstone, his remains are yet to be interred there.

In the meantime, his family have regularly visited the Sainsbury's store at which he died to pay their respects on events such as his birthday, and Father's Day.

David's mum, Caroline Turner, said: "His children have been going down there with flowers and balloons.

The bench bears a plaque paying tribute to David. Picture: Caroline Turner
The bench bears a plaque paying tribute to David. Picture: Caroline Turner

"We've been putting them outside the front of the shop, and it just doesn't feel right. But that was the only place we had we could go.

"Now we've got the bench.

"It's a comfort for his children. It's lovely, in a nice quiet spot.

"It's nice to have somewhere we can go to sit and think about him."

Mrs Turner thanked staff at Sainsbury's - where David was well-known as a friend and regular customer - on behalf of her family for arranging the bench's installation.

"It was really lovely," she said.

David with wife Kymberley
David with wife Kymberley

David was a former Canterbury High pupil, and a devoted dad to his five children Kadie, Mayzie, Harry, Rubie and Charlie.

He lived in Talmead Road with his wife Kymberley, whom he met at a New Year's Eve Party at Herne Bay Bandstand before marrying in 2008.

Kymberley previously described David as "my super glue, my everything" - a loving father who would "talk to anyone" and "do anything for his kids".

At the time of his death, his mum said: "We couldn’t have wished for a better son.

“He was bubbly, sarcastic and always so happy.

“He will be really missed by everyone who knew him.”

The new bench outside Sainsbury's. Picture: Caroline Turner
The new bench outside Sainsbury's. Picture: Caroline Turner

David, who had a history of health problems including a heart attack suffered at the age of 29, fell to the ground after suffering chest pain while he and Kymberley were grocery shopping in November 2020.

Paramedics, an air ambulance and police were called to the store, but despite their best efforts David was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His mum has thanked passers-by who tried in vain to save her son.

"There were three people who did CPR," she said. "I never found out who it was.

"I'd just like to thank them, from all the family, for what they did. They tried to help him that day. We just want them to know that we are grateful to them for trying."

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