WATCH: Memorial bench to Tunisia terror victim Adrian Evans unveiled at Sandwell Council
A memorial bench has been unveiled to honour Tunisia terror victim Adrian Evans, who would have celebrated his 50th birthday today.
Sandwell Council worker and Walsall FC fan Mr Evans was killed alongside his nephew Joel and father Patrick by Islamic State terrorist Seifeddine Rezgui in June.
To mark his birthday, Mr Evans' colleagues at the authority clubbed together to create the new memorial themselves from scratch – which has been erected next to his office window.
His sister Suzy Richards thanked everyone for their support, as bosses at the authority revealed new apprenticeship awards will be named after Mr Evans.
Friends and family released balloons at an emotional ceremony yesterday.
Suzy said: "Ade was so special and all the people here have shown how special and how loved he was.
"He was my older brother but more than that – he was my rock. I still miss him and it's just so unfair that this happened, but this is a lovely tribute to him."
The council's director of neighbourhood services Adrian Scarrott said the bench was a fitting tribute to a much-loved and well-respected employee. Mr Evans had managed the authority's gas services team.
Mr Scarrott said: "For the gas team, this is where they came to particularly remember Adrian.
"His colleagues offered to make this bench to make it a special place."
It is an emotional week for the family, as Patrick Evans would have turned 79 on Friday.
Wednesbury North ward Councillor Elaine Costigan, who is a friend of the family, said: "Adrian was such a character and obviously he's really missed by all the people who worked here. He was such a nice guy."
