‘Caring’ Freddie could often be found watching, filming and photographing buses, trains and planes
Nottingham Forest fan Freddie’s hobby started at the age of five(Image: Ian Bennett)
“He used to be a transport freak. That’s probably the best way to put it.”
At first, Freddie Bennett’s hobby of filming buses, trains and planes was alien to his parents.
After first picking up a Vtech camera at the age of five, the hobby developed into a “serious obsession”, and he could often be found recording buses across Nottingham city centre, or watching planes take off and touch down at East Midlands Airport.
“He got us in a lot of bother initially as people didn’t understand. He was filming the buses and people thought he was filming them and didn’t like it,” said his dad, Ian Bennett.
“Most people looked at him like he was some sort of weird person. People just don’t understand.”
Despite being new territory for his mum and dad, they would regularly take Freddie, who was severely autistic, to bus, train and plane spot.
“We took him into the city and that was one of the best things and one of the worst things we ever did,” said Mr Bennett.
Tragically, Freddie died at home in Beeston in January at the age of just 20, the circumstances of which are still unclear.
In his memory, his family have managed to get a plaque installed on a bench at Beeston train station, as well as the renaming of a Trentbarton bus.
Freddie could often be found filming buses, trains and planes(Image: Ian Bennett)
“He knew all the routes and collected all the timetables. He spent hours on Google Maps and was obsessed with transport in general,” said Mr Bennett, who now finds himself tapping into his late son’s encyclopaedic knowledge when he gives directions to strangers.
“If you wanted to go anywhere in Nottingham, he would tell you what bus to catch. He was absolutely in his element filming.”
After turning 18, Freddie began experiencing seizures and was put on medication.
Doctors upped his dosage after his seizures became more frequent towards the end of last year.
Then, on January 24, tragedy struck.
“He’d been fine in the afternoon, but after my wife went up to check on him, she shouted to me, ‘he’s gone’,” recalled Mr Bennett.
“We’ve been told it could have been heart failure or a seizure. We just don’t know.”
Friends and family beside a plaque on a bench at Beeston station in memory of Freddie (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
Mr Bennett said it had been “horrible” for the family, including Freddie’s two older sisters, since the loss of his son.
“He was a funny lad with a weird sense of humour. He was loving and caring,” the 55-year-old said.
“When he kicked off he kicked off but he was loved so much by all of us.
“He changed the way we are as parents. He was always smiling, you would never see him without a smile on his face.
“He was a jovial, fun character.”
Paying tribute to her younger brother, Ashleigh Lovett said: “Losing Freddie in January has changed us forever.
“Being autistic meant being misunderstood, but Freddie was the most funny, gentle, kind soul. We hope his story helps raise awareness for more understanding and safe, quiet spaces so people like Freddie can enjoy what they love without judgement.”
A spokesperson for East Midlands Railway, which runs Beeston station, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Freddie Bennett’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“We understand how much Beeston station meant to Freddie and were honoured to support the installation of a memorial plaque in his memory. We hope it provides a meaningful place for reflection and remembrance.”
A memorial plaque has been placed on a bench at Beeston station(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
A Trentbarton spokesperson said: “We’re honoured to be supporting Freddie’s family by naming one of our skylink Nottingham buses in his memory.
“It feels especially meaningful to help the family take the skylink Nottingham route out to the airport on the day of the naming, one of Freddie’s favourite journeys, as a way to reflect on and celebrate his life.”