This Christmas marks the fifth year that Jason Bennett will spend the holiday without his children, Lacey and John-Paul, who were tragically murdered on September 18, 2021. The harrowing events unfolded in Killamarsh, UK, when Damien Bendall attacked his partner, Terri Harris, and her three children, including Lacey, aged 11, and John-Paul, aged 13. The brutal assault, which involved a claw hammer, not only claimed their lives but also left a profound impact on Bennett, who now faces the holiday season with only memories and photographs to comfort him.
In the years since that fateful day, Bennett has navigated through unimaginable grief. He recalls the last phone call he had with his children, a conversation filled with innocent joy as they excitedly shared their activities. “Lacey showed me that she and Connie had set up a stall, selling sweets to raise money for charity,” Bennett said. “John had looked so proud of what they had done.” Following the tragedy, the shock set in as social media revealed the horrifying news that would change his life forever.
Enduring Pain and Remembering Loved Ones
For Bennett, Christmas has not been the same since the loss of his family. He described the first holiday without them as particularly painful, filled with memories that brought him to his knees in sorrow. “I couldn’t stop thinking about them; what I would have gotten them as presents or what games we would have played. I just wanted to die,” he admitted. The festive season, once a time of joy, became a reminder of the family he lost.
Jason cherished cooking Christmas dinner for his children, a tradition that brought him immense joy. “Oh, how I loved to cook for them,” he reminisced. However, since their tragic passing, he has found it difficult to engage in many of the activities he once loved, including preparing meals. “Those first two years were horrendous. I didn’t leave the house, I didn’t go to work, and I didn’t even want to live,” he shared. Yet, with the support of friends and family, he has slowly begun to reclaim aspects of his life.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Bennett has committed himself to honoring his children’s memory. Each week, he strives to do a little more, maintaining rituals that connect him to Lacey and John. “I have my rituals, too. Like kissing their photo; it’s in tatters, but I don’t care,” he noted. He also lays flowers at the site of their funeral, a poignant reminder of their love and the lives they shared.
Giving Back in Their Memory
In a powerful tribute to his children, Bennett has dedicated his efforts to raise funds for the Youth Cancer Trust, the same charity Lacey and her friend were supporting before their deaths. His fundraising initiatives have exceeded £78,000, including three charity soccer matches, the latest of which took place on the field of Sheffield Wednesday. These activities have provided a way for Bennett to channel his grief into something positive, keeping his children’s spirit alive through acts of kindness.
Bennett’s reflections on his children reveal their personalities vividly. “To sweet Lacey, butter wouldn’t have melted. She was so polite and kind,” he recalled. “John would pretend to be this fiery lad, but deep down, he was loving and sensitive.” The memories of laughter and love serve as a bittersweet reminder of what he lost.
As Bennett faces another Christmas without his children, he holds onto the hope that one day, the holiday will regain its former joy. Until then, he continues to cherish the memories of the countless Christmases they shared. “I was – and still am – truly the luckiest father on earth to have had them,” he expressed, underscoring the enduring love he has for his family.
Damien Bendall, the man responsible for this tragedy, received a whole-life sentence, ensuring he will spend the rest of his days in prison. His horrific actions can never be undone, but for Bennett, the memories and love for his children remain a source of strength as he navigates the challenges of life without them.
