Ben Smith-Crallan died from a rare bacterial infection after he fell into a lake at Botanic Gardens in Southport and cut his leg.

He had developed necrotizing fasciitis and had one of his legs amputated.

The park is now set to make changes to the lake after a campaign by Ben’s grieving family and friends, Liverpool Echo reported.

Two aeration fountains will be installed as part of the improvements at the park. Costs for the changes will be covered by fundraising efforts from the Make a Change for Ben group, which has donated all funds to the Botanic Gardens Community.

Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to say that we are moving forward with the initial improvements to the lake area at the Botanic Gardens and I do want to pass on a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has contributed to the local fundraising efforts to date.

“I know that fundraising activities continue and the generosity of our communities that know and love this park is unwavering.”

“Our Green Sefton officers have a long-standing partnership with the Botanic Gardens Community Association and will continue to work with them and all community partners to drive forward further improvements for the whole park,” Moncur continued.

“This is in line with our longer-term vision to source a multi-million-pound investment to ensure this historic site can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Make a Change for Ben Campaign Founder David Rawsthrone also said: “I am absolutely delighted that our campaign and Sefton Council have worked hand-in-hand over the last three months to secure local contractors to carry out works on the aeration fountains.

“Huge thanks to all the people who have got involved and helped to get us where we are now.”

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