Memorial honouring late Wolverhampton mayor Elias Mattu unveiled
A memorial honouring the life of the late Mayor of Wolverhampton has been unveiled nine months after his death.
Crowds of wellwishers braved the heavy downpours as they gathered for a special ceremony commemorating Councillor Elias Mattu.
His name was etched into a stone, which now has been laid within a memorial garden at Wolverhampton's Zion City Tabernacle.
Long-standing family friend Councillor Sandra Samuels paid tribute to her former colleague and recalled her 20-year friendship with Councillor Mattu.
She said: "I can feel myself welling up but I'm going to brave today and do this for Elias.
"I met him doing his campaign. We bonded straight away and we bonded because we shared the same values, the same principles and the same passion for the community.
"Elias was a man of the people. He was very well respected but he was loved by everyone. I did not hear Elias ever raise his voice, he was the gentlest person.
"We miss him in the council but I can say he is still here with us."
The memorial garden was officially opened by Councillor Mattu last year as a place of 'tranquillity' for people connected to the church who had lost friends or family.
A new section bearing the names of 12 people, including Councillor Mattu's, was revealed following a short service at the Compton Road church on Saturday.
Rounds of applause echoed through the church as members of Councillor Mattu's family stood up together during the service.
Pastor Windsor Queensborough said: "Elias Mattu left a positive impact on our church. He supported us in various ways, not just as a councillor, but as a friend.
"Who could have possibly imagined that one year later we would be remembering him this way."
Father-of-three Councillor Mattu, who was the city’s 159th mayor, died in February following a long battle with illness.
The 59-year-old served the Graiseley ward for 18 years, which is now represented by his wife after she won the seat in May.
Councillor Asha Mattu fought back tears as she paid tribute to her late husband, before Councillor Samuels rushed onto the church stage to offer a comforting embrace.
Councillor Mattu said: "It's a very emotional day for me. I just want to say thank you. Elias would have been honoured to have a brick in his name in your memorial garden.
"I know how much Elias used to love coming here. I just want you to know, I will continue to support you as Elias did. You will always have my support."
