A heartbroken mum has slammed cruel vandals who targeted a memorial garden honouring her two children.
Mindless vandals destroyed flowers and ornaments at the garden in Shildon, which honours Quinn and Dyllon Beadle who took their own lives within months of each other.
The spot, which is 20 minutes from the family home, was where Quinn was found hanged five years ago and became a place of sanctuary and reflection for anyone who needs it.
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Their mum Tracey Beadle said: "It is just awful. We are just so upset and disappointed.
"So much hard work has gone into it, it was just waste ground, all overgrown and full of rubbish before we took it over."
Quinn left her family home in December 2018 aged 17 and hanged herself on a tree at the end of the street.
After her death friends and family brought flowers, candles and messages to the spot and it became a place of reflection to remember Quinn.
Tragically, 10 months after Quinn's death her brother, Dyllon, 21, took his own life as he struggled with the grief.
As time has passed, flowers, bird boxes and lights have been added by the family, with contributions from friends, neighbours and businesses.
A fundraiser also raised enough money to purchase a bench.
Tracey, who opened a retreat to help families impacted by suicide in Barnard Castle, visits the garden everyday and said it is important to the entire community.
She said: "It means everything to us. It is at the end of our street and we walk it every morning and every night. We sit down there every day. It's our kind neighbour Eric, it's his hard work that makes it look as beautiful as it does.
"It isn't just important to us but the whole community.
"It is a place where people who have lost loved ones, not just to suicide, can go."
Durham Constabulary have been contacted for comment on the vandalism.
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